The three-point safety belt has saved more than one million lives since being introduced in 1959
KUALA LUMPUR, 3rd September 2009: Volvo today reinforced its leadership in Malaysian automotive safety by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the most important automobile safety device ever invented: the three-point safety belt.
Invented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin and patented in 1959, the device has to date saved more than a million lives worldwide and is now standard equipment in every car, truck and bus. Today, the modern safety belt is the cornerstone of a car’s interior safety system, working alongside additional features such as airbags, belt pre-tensioners and force limiters.
With a simple grab, stretch, click!, the three-point safety belt saves lives and prevents serious injury to the user.
“The three-point safety belt was not the first safety innovation from Volvo, but it certainly has proved to be the most significant,” said newly appointed Volvo Car Malaysia President, Mr. Goran Larsson at the 50th anniversary celebration here. “And because Volvo recognised its safety potential, Volvo Cars decided to share the patent with all other car manufacturers.
“And that is why you’ll find a little bit of Volvo in every car on the road today.”
New President of Volvo Car Malaysia
Larsson, 56, was the President of Volvo Cars Taiwan for three years before taking over from Robert Norrman here in Malaysia in July 2009. Prior to his Taiwan posting, the experienced Swede, who began his career with Volvo Cars in 1984, was also the President of the Regional Office for Volvo Car Turkey & Istanbul.
Larsson’s role to drive Volvo Car Malaysia to greater heights is only matched by his passion to ensure all Malaysians buckle up.
“Thankfully, Malaysia has recognized the important role of the safety belt by the enforcement on rear safety belt usage this year,” he said. Larsson pointed out that a 2008 study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) had proved that rear seatbelts can reduce the risk of deaths and serious injuries by more than 50 percent.
The three-point safety belt remains the most effective protection for occupants in the event of a collision. It is perfectly designed to suit the user’s body to keep the occupant in the seat in an accident.
Safety – Volvo’s tradition and leadership
The three-point safety belt stems from a long line of Volvo safety innovations, many now standard equipment, including multiple grades of steel throughout the vehicle, intelligent airbags, electronic vehicle stability systems, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Driver Alert, Blind Spot Identification System, Lane Departure, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Automatic Braking, just to name a few.
“From Nils Bohlin’s invention 50 years ago to City Safety in our new Volvo XC60 this year, Volvo is constantly innovating new ways to keep passengers safe,” Larsson said. “These safety features, and ones we will continue to introduce, are inline with our commitment that by the year 2020, no one will be killed or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo.”
Safety Campaign
Larsson also said that Volvo Car Malaysia would launch a safety campaign for pre-school children in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the safety belt. The campaign, which involves pre-schools in the Klang Valley, aims to create awareness and educate young children about the do’s and don’ts of vehicle safety.
“Safety is Volvo’s cornerstone, and by inculcating in young children the importance of safety both in and out of the car, we are committed to continue playing a major role in promoting vehicle safety at all levels in Malaysia.”
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