The most important aspect of protecting passengers in a collision
is to minimize collision forces transmitted to them. At Toyota, we
design automobile bodies with crumple zones to absorb collision energy,
and we have put a great deal of work into designing ever more efficient
passenger restraint systems such as seatbelts and head restraints.
We search for improved webbing elongation characteristics, improved
ways of clamping the webbing, and improved pretensioners. Passenger
safety begins with buckling up. And at Toyota, we are working hard
to make seatbelts more comfortable and easier to wear. In addition,
we are making significant progress with airbags as supplemental restraint
systems (SRS).
In a collision, seatbelts are the primary safety device that helps protect
the occupants. During the development of a new automobile, Toyota
uses dummies of several different sizes to make sure the seatbelts,
anchors, and buckles are positioned for a safe and comfortable fit.
While road-testing prototypes, real people use the seatbelts and
report on their fit and comfort. Adjustable shoulder anchor are
provided for wearers to change the height of the belt for additional
comfort and safety.
Toyota continually strives to design new and better seatbelts that make the most of the ride-down effect of our automobiles' crumple zones and enhance the deceleration effects. Toyota even designs the structure and shape of the seats in its cars to complement the restraint of the seatbelts. Making the shape of the seats and the position of the anchors to ensure that the belts fit low across the pelvis.
Depending upon the seating configuration, some of our vehicles have 3-point belts for the passenger sitting in the middle of the back seat.
Our Tension-Reducing Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) automatically locks when you pull on the belt to ensure it's secure enough to work, yet loose enough to feel comfortable.
And some of our vehicles have Pre-Tens ioner Sensors which quickly pull the seatbelt back at the first shock of a severe head-on collision, while the Force Limited keeps that tension from injuring you. It all works to keep you safe and secure in the event of an accident.
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