Automatic seatbelts in cars are safety systems, popular in the 1980s/90s, that automatically position a shoulder belt across the occupant's torso when the door closes, often paired with a manual lap belt, aiming to improve compliance, though modern systems focus more on intelligent tightening during driving or pre-crash, like Automatic Tensioning Systems (ATS) that remove slack for better crash protection.

Types of Automatic Seatbelts

Early Automatic Shoulder Belts (ASB): Common in the late 80s/early 90s, these systems featured a shoulder belt that moved into place on a track across the door when the door closed, requiring manual buckling of a separate lap belt for full protection.

Automatic Tensioning Systems (ATS): Found in newer cars, these use sensors to detect hard braking or impact, instantly tightening the belt to remove slack and position the occupant correctly, working with features like airbags for enhanced protection.

How They Work

Early ASB: The shoulder belt arm would slide along a track on the door, positioning the belt across the body; the lap belt still needed manual fastening.

ATS: Sensors trigger a motor to pull the belt webbing tight, reducing "slack" and securing the occupant closer to the seat for more effective restraint during a crash or sudden maneuver.