Seat Belt Question

July 15, 2010, 08:51:24 pm

Hello everyone,

My son-in-law does not want our grandchildren riding in the coach because he says there are no Federal regulations governing the installation of seat belts in motorhomes; therefore, the seat belts may not be bolted to the frame of the coach. I find it hard to believe that the seat belts would be bolted to anything but the frame, but I would like confirmation of this. Does anyone have the facts on this?

Thanks,

Barb McMaster

2008 Inspire #52161

Re: Seat Belt Question

Reply #1 – July 15, 2010, 11:42:12 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 61422

Think about son-in-law ver. 2.0
Jim

07 Allure #31570

Re: Seat Belt Question

Reply #2 – July 16, 2010, 12:08:35 am

Yahoo Message Number: 61424

Fed safety rules require the manufacturer to install belts only in locations where there is ample anchor materials to meet Federal regulations.
You will find little signs for seats elsewhere in your rig that are not approved that say something like "not to be used when vehicle is in motion." For instance our dining table chairs have them. these chairs are anchored to nothing so are not appropriate for traveling.
All seat belts installed by the factory meet Fed safety specs. Adding belts yourself to the seating not designed for it would be a false sense of security.
Obviously son-in-law is not an engineer to believe only frame mounted belts comply. As most cars today don't use frames applying his logic he should probably not drive his kids around in whatever they are using for a family car.
Also, the basic laws of physics say a diesel pusher is a much better place to be than a Miata when the stuff hits the fan in a collision. Bigger is safer every time.
I have been told by a state trooper that they watch RVs, vans, trailers, etc very closely for signs of kids running loose and write up tickets to the driver for failure to belt the kids in.

His worry is in the wrong place.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

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