Horse wrote:Smeeagain wrote: I then ask them to give the belt a short sharp tug to demonstrate that the inertia reel mechanism is working.
Is that actually how they all work, and only that? Is 'a sharp tug' actually a valid test?
I found this elsewhere:
Modern restraint systems use both webbing sensors and vehicle sensors. The webbing sensors employed earlier were proved to allow too much belt to run out before the occupant was restrained and the vehicle sensor (deceleration and incline sensitive) was introduced. The pre-tensioner was also added to retract any loose spare webbing.
So at what point do you [the person on test] stop testing systems? Why are some considered important enough to test (albeit possibly incorrect, see above) and others not?
- Shouldn't the rolling brake test also encompass the ABS?
- What about stability & traction control?
- If you're testing the seatbelt, perhaps drive into a wall to test the airbags and seatbelt tensioners (and pedal retraction if fitted)? *
* I used to visit US air bases regularly. The visitor pass stated "Vehicle occupant restraints must be used". So did that mean I had to operate the seatbelt tensioners? **
** I was on a motorcycle ***
*** One of my colleagues was at the end of a long, tiring, day. He was stopped by a [armed] guard and told he should be wearing 'reflective' gear [for safety]. He pointed out that if he wasn't reflecting light then the guard wouldn't have been able to even see him. The guard did not exhibit any humour, indeed became rather shouty.
I don't disagree, in particular with the comment about ABS, but sometimes we have to comply with the test requirements, rather than common sense or anything else i.e. you can learn how to pass an exam without necessarily knowing the subject intimately. The Roadcraft DVD says that having sdne a static (i.e. tug) test on the seatbelt, you don't need to brake hard enough to induce the inertial reel mechanism, "as you will have satisfied yourself that it works' and let's face it that would be some serious braking! You can brake very hard and smooth and not induce the mechanism to work. I happen to know my vehicle does not have any special seatbelt sensors (or at least as far as I can establish through the manufacturer) and only has the webbing inertia reel mech
Smee