It was 50 years ago today that Volvo forever changed the automotive safety scene with the invention of the three-point safety belt. The Volvo PV544, outfitted with the newly designed belt, was delivered to a Volvo dealer in Kristianstad, Sweden, in 1959. Designed by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, the belt consisted of a lap belt and body belt that formed a “V” shape pointing towards the floor. The design was created to help absorb the force on the pelvis and chest, while keeping the belt in position and not moving under the load. It took a few years before the rest of the auto industry embraced the new safety system, but its life-saving ability would soon see it become ubiquitous in new cars.

In 1963, Volvo introduced the three-point belt in the United States after performing a number of crash tests that validated their claims that it offered the best protection to occupants. In 1967, the Swedish automaker presented data from collisions in Volvo cars over a one-year period that found the seat belt saved lives and reduced injuries by 50-60 percent. That same year, Volvo offered the seat belt as standard on front and rear outboard seats.

The use of seat belts in motor vehicles is the most important safety invention for occupant protection. (Electronic stability control, which will be standard on all vehicles in 2012, is considered the most important safety advance since the development of the seat belt.) In 2006, the use of seat belts saved an estimated 15,383 lives. During the five-year period from 2002 through 2006, seat belts have saved over 75,000 lives.

Currently all U.S. states except New Hampshire have seat belt laws. However, 18 states do not have primary enforcement laws, meaning penalties can only be applied if the car is pulled over for another infraction. Studies show that stronger laws lead to higher use rates. Seat belt use continues to climb in the United States with 83 percent of all occupants buckling up.

We hope the other 17 percent wise up to the common, invaluable safety device and buckle up.

—Liza Barth