Seat belt ideas first appeared with pilots in the 1930s, but the big breakthrough came in 1959, thanks to Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin. He designed the three point seat belt, which still protects drivers and passengers today. The design was revolutionary because it secured both the upper and lower body at once, cutting car crash deaths by over 50 percent.

In a rare move, Volvo decided to share the patent for free so every car maker could use it. This choice put safety ahead of profits, helping save lives everywhere.

A car seat belt has three main parts. First is the strong polyester strap that holds you in place. Second is the reel, which lets the belt move freely as you drive, but locks instantly if you stop suddenly. Third is the latch and buckle, which keep the belt tightly closed.

In newer cars, the seat belt system connects to sensors that also control the airbags, making sure everything works together if a crash happens. These simple but smart features keep you safe, no matter where you are sitting.

There are several types of seat belts used in today’s vehicles. The most basic is the two point lap belt, still seen in some older back seats and on airplanes. Most cars now use the three point seat belt, which holds both your lap and your shoulder for better protection.

Some high end cars offer pretensioner seat belts that instantly tighten during a crash to reduce movement. Adaptive seat belts adjust their tension based on your weight and the car’s speed. Racing and sports cars use five point harnesses that secure the entire body for extreme conditions.

Despite being tough, seat belts are not immune to problems, especially after years of use or an accident. Sometimes the belt will not retract or gets stuck because of dirt or a twisted strap, cleaning or straightening it usually solves the issue. If the buckle will not lock when you pull the belt fast, the locking mechanism or sensor may be faulty and will need to be replaced by a technician.

A frayed or damaged strap should always be replaced at an authorized service center. Never try to fix a ripped seat belt yourself. If your seat belt warning light stays on, use a diagnostic tool to find the cause—often it is just a loose connection, but it could signal a bigger problem that needs professional repair. After any accident, have your seat belts inspected, since pretensioners are single use and must be replaced if activated.

For the best protection, make sure the belt crosses your shoulder and chest, not your neck or under your arm. The lap part should fit snugly over your hip bones, never your stomach. Avoid using clips or gadgets that loosen the fit. Always check that the reel and fabric are in good condition before long trips. And do not forget to teach children to buckle up every time, even in the back seat.

Seat belts are a simple but powerful tool that has changed the history of road safety. Regularly checking and properly using your seat belt is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on every journey.