1902 Baker Electric racing car.

The first seat belt used on a motor vehicle was a 2-point belt attachment. These seat belts were placed in a 1902 Baker Electric racing car; front seats only.

Dr. C. Hunter Shelden; neurologist

In the early 1950s, Dr. C. Hunter Shelden, a neurologist with a practice at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, made a major contribution to the auto industry for everyday drivers.

While the 2-point seat belt helped lower the number of car crash injuries, something more needed to be done.

A 3-point belt, like we use in today’s vehicles, were first used in 1959 in the Volvo cars. Later, Volvo made this new seat belt patent available to other car manufacturers for free, in the interest of safety for all front seat drivers.

Seat belt safety has advanced significantly since their introduction for race cars in 1902. I’m so thankful that today, we have the 3-point seat belts in the front AND back seats. And that the child car seat technology has advanced significantly as well!

Thank you to all those that abide by the seat belt laws for children and adults. For those of you that are not, please reconsider.  The children and adults that love and depend on you will love you forever!