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

Try that again (carefully) while you are already leaning forward a bit. Braking abruptly may not be enough to do the trick if you’re leaning back – there may not be enough momentum left to trigger the seatbelts if your torso coming out of your seat absorbs most of it.