STANDARD OF BELTS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29524, 27 May 1961, Page 12

STANDARD OF BELTS

Discussions Next Week

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. May 26. "The article in the ‘United States Research Bulletin,' reported from Dunedin, is disturbing in its suggestion that car safety belts are generally ineffective and can even be dangerous.” Mr G E. Wood, chairman of the Consumer Council, said today Mr Wood acknowledsed that some types of safety belts were less satisfactory than others.

"It is generally agreed, for instance, that waist belts, though giving some protection, are not so effective tn most accidents as a welldesigned shoulder harness." said Mr Wood "One would like to know more about the design and quality of the equipment used in the American teris. "The value of good-ouallty equipment of this kind is fully appreciated in New Zealand bv some motorists and bv representative organisations. The Trrrs>oor‘ Department, the Automobile Association and Consumer Council are all anxious tha’ safety belts should be worn to reduce the toll of road accidents.

“We are all equally anxious that the equipment available should be of trustworthv design and construction. A representative and comoetent , 'omm : t*ee has h een ai*e?dy formed by the Standards Institue. and will meet next week to formulae a suitable standard specification for vdms*wn In N**w " i