Why don't planes use 3 point seat belts?

Question

Basically I was watching a television show on the safety of planes and apparently in crashes a lot of injuries are caused by the inertia of the body causing the upper torso, head and legs to travel forward at great velocity, hitting the chair in front or the head hitting the legs, while the lower torso is buckled with just a lap belt. I get the impression that at least the problem of the upper torso flinging forward could be stopped with a 3 point seat belt. If so, why isn't this implemented?

Answer 1

I wonder the same exact thing. I also wonder why they cant be fitted with airbags. I know it sounds funny but if airbags save lives in cars why not planes.

Answer 2

better yet...why don't school buses?

Answer 3

Good question..........

Trouble is very often these important upgrades are easily put off.

The fools logic goes, "We don't REALLY need them" and this is dangerous thinking.

Answer 4

Because odds are, you're going to die anyway :-)  My feeling is the belts are more to keep you from going all over the place in bad turbulence rather than true life-saving devices in the event of a crash...