Definition of the word safety belt

The concept of safety belts in cars can be traced back to the late 1950s when Nils Bohlin, a Swedish engineer, developed the three-point seat belt. Bohlin's design featured a diagonal strap that passed over the shoulder and across the chest, as well as a lap belt that secured the wearer in place. The term "safety belt" is derived from the need to provide occupants with protection in the event of a car crash. Prior to seat belts, drivers and passengers relied solely on the car's frame to protect them in an accident. However, it became clear that this was not enough, as many injuries and fatalities occurred due to occupants being thrown around inside the vehicle. The use of safety belts was first introduced in Volvo cars in 1959, and the Swedish manufacturer rapidly became a leader in this technology. By the early 1960s, Volvo's safety belts had gained widespread attention and were being used in other car brands as well. Today, safety belts are mandatory equipment in all new passenger cars and are considered one of the most important safety features in the automotive industry. The development of safety belts has significantly reduced the number of injuries and fatalities from car accidents, making them an integral part of modern automobiles.