The upper portion of a vehicle restraint system that anchors near the B-pillar or roofline and buckles across the occupant's chest. It prevents the upper body from pivoting forward during a frontal collision. Most passenger cars integrate this with a lap belt to create a three-point harness, reducing chest injuries and preventing the occupant from sliding under the dash.
Check the retractor on the driver's shoulder belt, it locks up before you even pull it halfway out.
When inspecting a vehicle after a collision, always check the shoulder belt webbing for stretching or melted fibers, which indicates the pre-tensioner fired and the belt must be replaced.
Also heard as
- shoulder harness
- sash
Related terms
Lap belt
A safety restraint strap that secures only across the passenger's hips.
Seat belt
A safety harness designed to secure an occupant in a vehicle seat during a collision or sudden stop.
Submarine
To slide forward and underneath the lap portion of a seatbelt during a severe frontal collision.
B-pillar
The vertical structural roof support located behind a vehicle's front doors.