The Traffic Accident Reconstruction Origin -ARnews-

Seat belt inspections; pawl impacts

James H. Mitchell (jimmitch@interpac.net)
Mon, 4 Aug 1997 20:45:15 -0400 (EDT)

I have an accident where the impact was in the 20 - 30 mph range into a rock face. Speed is difficult to pin down as most of the damage is to wheel and front suspension. Occupant delta V is similarly elusive. Impact principal direction of force is about 1 o'clock. Police indicate the injured passenger was not belted. My belt inspection shows no signs of web heating or stiffening at friction points, there are no marks on hardware at anchor points or buckle attachments. I looked at all the interfaces between the two locking pawls and the ratchet teeth on the tensioner assembly and see no impact marks. The vehicle is low milage, almost new. The passenger says she was belted. I have no feedback on positioning and belt tightness Weight about 125 pounds.

I think I should see some surface marking on the tensioner ratchet teeth and pawls if she were belted, but don't see much in previous threads or ARJ regarding belt inspections for less severe accidents.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
James H. Mitchell
jimmitch@interpac.net

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