seat belts

[Unregistered]

I have a question that I have wondered about for a while. My van has one of the seatbelts that you can move up or down along the track on the side by the door- so you can adjust the height of it. How should it be adjusted for the best safety? I sure hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

[CPSDarren]

This is a great feature, and more and more vehicles are getting it.

The advice is the same for adults and kids in boosters-

Adjust the shoulder belt so that the belt crosses the center of the shoulder and chest. You don't want the belt on the person's neck, arm or tummy. If you can't adjust it low enough to keep it off their neck, then you may need a booster.

Here is a good illustration:

http://www.boostamerica.org/rightwrong.htm

[Unregistered]

Well, it doesn't matter if I have the belt up high or down low - it still falls across the middle of my shoulder. Is it safer to have it higher or closer to the shoulder, or does it not matter?

Thanks.

[CPSDarren]

From what you describe, it sounds like it fits OK no matter how you adjust it. Of course, without being able to see it in person there is no way to be sure. If you have kids in carseats or boosters, it is a great idea to take them in for a free checkup. While the technicians are fitting their seats, they would be happy to check the fit of the seatbelt on you as well. Please visit the "Free Carseat Inspection" link under the top banner to find one near you.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but it may well be fitting you OK as it is. Given a choice, I would tend to want it higher and closer to the center of my shoulder blade rather then closer to the arm. Less chance of it being down along the arm if I happen to lean over a bit.