bilbelter

Bilbelter is a term used in several Nordic languages for the seat belt in motor vehicles. A bilbelter is a restraint system designed to secure the occupants of a car, reducing movement during a crash or sudden deceleration. It typically consists of webbing, a buckle, retractors, and anchor points that hold the wearer in place.

Two main designs exist: a two-point lap belt and the more common three-point belt, which also crosses the chest to restrain upper body movement. Modern bilbelter systems include features such as pretensioners, which tighten the belt in a crash, and load limiters, which reduce chest load by allowing some belt slack at high forces. The belt retractor enables freedom of movement during normal use and locks during a sudden stop or collision.

History and regulation have driven widespread adoption. The modern three-point belt was pioneered by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959 and was rapidly adopted by carmakers and regulators. Over the following decades, many countries enacted laws requiring belt use, and safety standards for belts and related systems were established by organizations such as UNECE and national regulators. Studies consistently show that wearing a bilbelter significantly reduces injury and fatality risks in crashes.

Usage and safety considerations are straightforward but important. The belt should be positioned low across the hips with the lap portion snug and the diagonal portion over the collarbone and chest, not under the arm or behind the back. Children require appropriate restraints or booster seats, and airbags are designed to complement, not replace, seat belts. Regular inspection of belts and buckles is recommended to ensure proper function.