Do automatic across the shoulder car seat belts provide any protection in a crash?

Question

I have a car with automatic seat belts which go on from above the outermost shoulder down diagonally across both legs. I always thought this was my crash protection. My mom says this offers no protection at all in a crash. She says that automatic seatbelts are simply a reminder to put on my "across the waist" seat belt. I think that both seal belts provide a certain amount of protection. Who is correct?

Answer 1

The "automatic" shoulder belts you have described are NOT stand-alone safety belts, and you must also use the manual lap belt in order to get any real protection from them... In fact, using the shoulder belt alone may cause more injury than not using ANY belts at all.

Answer 2

You must use both belts to get the best protection.

The shoulder belt portion keeps your body in a close to upright position in a crash.  IF you are just wearing a lap belt then your body will continue to propel forward until it either hits somethign (such as the dash) or your face hits your shins.

Answer 3

they both are just as good as each other.if you wreak then they both can save your life or be the death of it

Answer 4

They both will save your life in an accident and this time your mother is wrong.

Answer 5

A few years ago I was involved in a wreck where I was hit head on at about 40 mph, I driving my moms car that had the automatic seatbelts, I only had the shoulder belt on like you describe. I got a big bruise across my chest and my knees hurt a little but other than that I pretty much walked away, so I am totally sold on them, even without the lap belt they do provide protection. I can see though if you rolled or something that could be bad with nothing to hold you down.

Answer 6

The across the waist belt must be worn to provide protection.  These other belts are useless in a crash.  If you rear end someone, you will slide out from under the shoulder belt(especially if you drive with your seat reclined), and have major injuries.