As waistlines expand, seat belt use shrinks

[Chuck]

Federal standards have not been updated much since the 1960's when seatbelts were designed for only 215 lbs...many bigger drivers are so uncomfortable they simply don't buckle up.

Kristin M. Hall - AP - Feb 8, 2008

Sensitive issue...seatbelt redesign is justified, but could the obseity epidemic be a factor in vehicle choice? - Ed

Nashville, Tenn. — Like a lot of consumers, Paul McAleer focused on comfort when he recently went car shopping. Adjustable seats, a tilt steering wheel and extra height were all important.

Because he's a self-described "fat guy," the Web site designer also has to check to see if he can fit in the seat belt.

While McAleer buckles up when he drives, a new study found that seat belt use declines as body size increases. But even large drivers who want to use a seat belt may be thwarted because not all carmakers offer bigger belts or extenders.

"It would be in their best interest to make seat belts longer in the first place," says McAleer, who lives in Chicago....[Read More]

[Skwyre7]

From the article:

... The NHTSA decided not to revise its standards since most top manufacturers including Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. have seat belts that are longer than required.

The companies each provide an average of 18-20 inches of extra belt length, more than enough to accommodate the largest percentage of drivers. Many of those manufacturers also have seat belt extensions or longer belts that can be purchased or installed at dealerships. Ford offers their extensions for free, said Wes Sherwood, a Ford spokesman.

Several foreign brands, such as Honda, BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, do not provide seat belt extenders. Ford's Volvo division requires buyers to sign a waiver stating they've read a list of warnings and rules for using extenders, said Daniel Johnston, a Volvo spokesman...

So, Honda, do you or don't you?

As a normal-sized person, I can't directly relate. I haven't really thought about it either...

[99HXCivic]

I don't remember having a problem buckling when I was 205 lbs, now I'm 149 lbs.

[Karkus]

Yep, the only relative our ours who usually doesn't wear a seatbelt has a moderately-high BMI. But her main issues aren't seatbelt length or finding the buckle (as mentioned in the study).... it's being a short and sort of heavy female, so the seatbelt just isn't comfortable and is also more likely to go across her neck. She knows it's dangerous, and on top of that, she drives a roll-over prone Ford Exploder (but she really wants to get a hybrid car next).

[antrey]

This is ridiculous! America seriously needs to lose weight. They should make seat belts shorter to serve as a wake up call to those that are killing themselves and wasting resources.

[Chuck]

Yes/No was probably too simple of a poll, but I think it would affect some vehicle choices ("a Prius is too small...")

Warning: Graphic, but if you want a motivational picture to slim down, here is what a seat belt can do in an accident if there is more girth

[bomber991]

Well, I honestly don't think that fat people care one bit about their lives so it doesn't surprise me that they also don't wear seat belts as much. Sure triple cheeseburgers are good, but heart attacks are bad, and so is being ugly.