Car manufacturers began placing automatic safety belts into vehicles in response to federal legislation mandating active restraint systems in vehicles. In 1984, the United States passed legislation that required all vehicles made after April 1, 1989 to have either a driver's airbag or automatic seatbelts. Auto manufacturers realized this meant incorporating airbags into vehicles or equipping vehicles with automatic seat belts. Since seatbelts were a more expensive proposition, many manufacturers chose to go with automatic seatbelts. Vehicles utilized two main types of automatic seat belts. First, a manual lap belt combined with an automatic shoulder belt. Second, a system that automated both the lap and shoulder belts. Both of these seat belt designs were very hazardous and caused numerous injuries. The automatic seat belt systems never fit right. In addition, those that were connected to the door frame were virtually useless when a car wreck caused the door to open.  

If you own one of these cars, we recommend replacing it. If you have been injured in a vehicle utilizing an automatic seat belt system, please contact us for a free evaluation of your seat belt product liability case.