6pts harnesses and crotch strap

[Turbo_Bimmer]

In the event of a crash, the harness will save your life, but you may have difficulties to walk for a while :-(


http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7CRN-4N9MYWG-1&_user=10&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2007&_rdoc=1&_fmt=full&_orig=search&_cdi=17999&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=fa3ea5265df14efd9af52e783895ccdb#fig1

[LagunaM3]

In the event of a crash, the harness will save your life, but you may have difficulties to walk for a while :-(


True if you don't use the belts properly, as apparently was the case in the story you cited. The report even suggests that in the last paragraph.

[johnmdanskin]

Ouch, but sounds like he had his straps in front of his block and tackle instead of to the side. Also sounds like they didn't think they were tight enough. You got to think about your future when you put those straps on. It is really hard to get the lap belts tight enough by yourself. They really should have little ratchet mechanisms like hold-down straps. I've adjusted my lap belts a little tighter than I can pull them on by myself (given the stupid way they work) and then I struggle to get the buckles into the harness. That seems to be the best mechanism. I'd be able to do better with pull-ups instead of pull-downs, but I haven't quite felt motivated to change them yet.
(why do pull-down lap straps even exist?)

[Turbo_Bimmer]

True if you don't use the belts properly, as apparently was the case in the story you cited. The report even suggests that in the last paragraph.

That's possible that the crotch belt was not installed or used correctly.
I'm wondering, since I'm not very big, when I sit in my seat, there is about 3" between my crotch and the belt because the hole is placed to accomodate all sizes of bodies.
Is there something I can do to make things safer? Is cutting a new slot in the seat something accepted. I'm wondering about the certification of the seat that may be non valid anymore.

[Emre]

I'm wondering, since I'm not very big, when I sit in my seat, there is about 3" between my crotch and the belt because the hole is placed to accomodate all sizes of bodies.

Is there something I can do to make things safer?Yes there is. Use 6-point belts that wrap around your thighs and exit from the rear (looks like a climbing harness). My Willans 6-pointers use this design. It's hard to describe, but the sub straps go back and out (instead of straight down). They mount to the same points as the lap belts.

link: http://willansmotorsport.com/index.php/NASCAR/SRL-Spec-338-Issue-7/Detailed-product-flyer.html

Quite a few people have commented that my harness "doesn't look right" to them. But this is the system most NASCAR and Formula 1 drivers use these days. In fact, I bought my Willans harnesses from Penske.

[johnmdanskin]

For less money, maybe a cup? Looks more manly when you aren't driving too. 8-)

[Andrei]

For less money, maybe a cup? Looks more manly when you aren't driving too. 8-)

Yes, a cod piece will let everyone know that you take 7 flat out.

[kenneth]

Ouuuuch! Gives new meaning to the expression "baring it all".