Do you need a belt extension for your car seatbelt? It’s already been over a century since cars first hit the roads and changed how people get from one point to another. These modern means of transportation offer people independence and freedom of mobility.
But while it’s true that vehicles are great in their own right, safety is something that is equally important and should never be taken for granted. Car safety refers to the basic safety devices used in cars, and seatbelts happen to be the most important of them all.
Failure to wear seatbelts often entails fines in most countries. However, there are instances when car seatbelts can’t be adjusted properly. It’s because the length of the standard seatbelt might not be suitable for some people.
It’s the reason why a seatbelt extender can be temporarily used to increase the length of the standard seatbelt. Here is a quick guide about seatbelt extenders so you can determine if you can use them safely or not.
What is a Belt Extension System?
A belt extension increases the length of the standard seatbelt to make room for obese people or those who have a heavier build.
Although there might be passive and active safety systems in most cars today, passengers still rely on their seatbelts to ensure that they remain fastened to their seats when an accident occurs.
Some people who are obese or have a larger build have a hard time securing their car seatbelt because the length is simply not enough. It’s where a seatbelt extension can come in handy.
Seatbelt extenders come in two major types: flexible and rigid. These types of seatbelt extenders are meant to add more length to standard seatbelts while securely clipping between the clip and the buckle.
Thanks to this, adults who find it difficult to use standard seatbelts can take advantage of the safety they offer. Car seatbelt extenders can be considered perfectly safe if used properly.
Safety of Seatbelt Extenders
It’s important to obtain seatbelt extenders directly from the vehicle manufacturer and must only be used when necessary. It’s because of the real purpose of these seatbelt extenders.
There are several scenarios when it is considered safe to use a seatbelt extender. These extension systems can only be safely used if you get them from the car manufacturer. The extender should follow all the standards declaring its safe usage.
Seatbelt extenders are also safe to use with car seats that are already fitted with the standard seatbelt. A seatbelt extender is also safe to use for people with heavy build or those who are obese.
You have to take note of these safety recommendations because the moment a seatbelt extender malfunctions, the user will become exposed to the collision’s forces.
The Dangers of Seatbelt Extenders
There are a few scenarios and instances that might pose some serious dangers when using a belt extension system. These include the following:
Using an Incompatible Belt Extender
Although a seatbelt extender might click once buckled together, what works well in one car might not be suitable for another. It is never recommended to use a seatbelt extender from another manufacturer. Always make sure that you get your extender from the same brand where you bought your car.
There’s a sound explanation for this. During a car crash or collision, things weigh heavier because of the gravitational force. These forces multiply considerably with your weight during a crash. There are around 25 gravitational forces during a crash of 50 km/h just like in a car seat crash test.
A 100kg adult will exert a 2500kg body weight on the extender and the seatbelt during the crash. In such cases, an incompatible seatbelt extension won’t serve its intended purpose.
Incorrect Placement of Seatbelt Extenders
Seatbelt extenders may change the function of standard seatbelts because of the spot where they attach to the user’s body. The recommended fit is across the shoulder, chest, and lap with the buckle located low down next to the user.
The body will still be thrown out of the seat of the extenders and seatbelts are incorrectly adjusted because they won’t provide the right level of protection.
Using Extenders with Child Car or Booster Seats
It is never recommended to use seatbelt extenders with booster seats and other forms of child car seats. It’s regardless of whether the extender would make it easier to install the car seat or it helps your kids operate the buckle on their own.
Teens and children are highly advised against using seatbelt extenders in addition to standard seatbelts. Similarly, a seatbelt extender should never be used to adjust dog car seats either.
Using Extenders When They’re Not Needed at All
It’s not a good idea to use a seatbelt extender unless you need the seatbelt’s extra length. If the standard seatbelt has a proper fit or the belt extension makes the buckle be positioned on your thighs or over your lap, it means that the seatbelt is already too big. A seatbelt is meant to sit firmly against the chest after fastening it in with the clasp by the side.
Pregnant Women Using Seatbelt Extenders
Pregnant women should never use seatbelt extenders except if they don’t fit in the regular seatbelts. However, since it’s an extremely rare case, expecting mothers should never use a seatbelt extender to stay safe.
Recommended Size of Seatbelt Extenders
The size of the seatbelt extender you should get will depend on the amount of extra room you need. Since every person has a unique demand, choosing the longest extension right there and then might not always be a great choice. Remember that the buckle must still be beside your thigh or hip next to you. Anything moving the buckle on your lap means that it is unsafe and too large.
Where to Buy Seatbelt Extenders
Seatbelt extenders can be purchased from the automaker or dealership where you purchased your vehicle from. While you can find these extenders online, you should never use something that is not brand or manufacturer-specific. Always refer to the owner’s manual.