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Recognizing
"Witness Marks" on Safety
Belt Hardware
When a vehicle
occupant is restrained during a frontal collision and that collision
is of significant force, often evidence, or "witness marks"
remain on the hardware and/or the safety belt webbing.
The "D-RING" will often demonstrate diagonal abrasions
from the webbing being dragged across the "D-RING" as
the restrained body exerts force on the restraining hardware.
Look on the "D-RING" and on the corresponding part of
the webbing for signs of abrasion. The photo below demonstrates
a "D-RING" with abrasions on both the webbing and the
"D-RING."
Similar diagonal
striations can also be seen on the inside of the latchplate where
the webbing interlocks with the latchplate.
It is also important to examine the webbing itself. The webbing
will stretch when force is applied as part of the design, to allow
the occupants to "ride-down" or lessen the deceleration
force. As the webbing stretches and rubs against the fabric of
the restrained occupant often fabric residue will remain on the
webbing. The attached photo is an extreme case. Not all will be
so clear.
Energy Management Loops are proof that seat belts were used during
the crash. The EML deploys to lessen the deceleration forces on
the person wearing the belt.
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