The expense associated with fitting safety restraints in a vehicle depends on several factors. These include the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the type of restraint system desired (lap-only, lap and shoulder, or three-point), the number of seats requiring installation, and labor costs, which vary by location and mechanic. For example, adding restraints to an older vehicle without pre-existing mounting points may require significant modification and thus incur higher costs than equipping a newer model with readily available anchor points. Specific pricing can range from relatively affordable to more substantial investments depending on the complexities involved.
Enhanced safety is the primary advantage of having proper restraints. They are designed to minimize the risk of injury or fatality during a collision by distributing impact forces and preventing ejection from the vehicle. Regulations regarding factory-installed restraints became increasingly stringent over the latter half of the 20th century, reflecting growing awareness of their life-saving potential. Vehicles manufactured before these regulations often lack adequate restraints or require retrofitting to meet modern safety standards. The financial investment in such safety features can offer significant long-term benefits in terms of accident prevention and mitigation.
