Why do seatbelts stop when you pull them hard?

Question

EDIT: I understand that it’s supposed to be for safety. I’m asking because I’ve only experienced the stopping mechanism when I pull. I’ve hit the brakes very abruptly before but nothing. Should I get it looked at?

In: 2

Answer 1

That’s a feature, not a bug. The kind of force that would cause the belt to stop, is the kind when involved in a collision. The belt stopping due to that high of a force is what helps keep the occupant restrained.