Car safety makes it to aircraft

Maybe you've seen this, but it was new to me - a three-point seat belt in a commercial aircraft.

It was like the older three-pointers in cars, with the shoulder portion hooking in to the lap buckle, so you didn't have to wear the shoulder strap if you didn't want to.

Now, if you auger in to a cornfield at 700 km/h, I don't know that the additional safety provided by this shoulder belt would make much difference.

Frankly, no belt would make any difference in that instance. Belts on planes really only help much in ground 'events' or to reduce injuries due to in-air turbulence.

But I guess every little bit helps.

What's next - air bags?

Comments

[Brian]

They are not mounted outboard and instead come over your shoulder from underneath. Those seats are small enough as it is. I can't imagine what it would be like with an extra belt cutting across your neck.

[John B]

On aircraft, when seat belt use is required, they ask you to put your seats in the upright position and fold up your tray tables. In those circumstances, a lap belt is just fine. However, in the case of unexpected turbulence and where where people fail to set their seats and tray tables in the upright position, that lap belt probably will prevent minor injuries. Unfortunately, it's likely the same people who ignore the warnings that also won't buckle up their belts.

[Richard]

Those pillows should be safe in the event of turbulence.

And, yes

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2011/01/11/consumer-air-bags-seatbelts-airplanes.html

airbags on airplanes..

[Leaf]

I have often flown on a Pilatus PC-12 nine passenger aircraft in Northern Ontario, and they were equipped with three point retractable belts that appeared to be standard aircraft issue and not retrofits.

[Jim Kenzie]

Hi 'Leaf':

Yes, but this was the first time I saw them on a commercial aircraft. Guess I don't spend enough time in First Class!

Cheers,

Jim Kenzie