The blog highlight a remarkable decision made by Volvo in 1959 that prioritised public safety over potential profits: they made the patent for their revolutionary three-point seat belt free for all competitors to use. This act of altruism has undoubtedly saved countless lives and cemented the three-point seat belt’s status as a fundamental safety feature in vehicles worldwide.
The Genesis of a Life-Saving Innovation
Nils Bohlin, an engineer at Volvo, designed the three-point seat belt, which was first introduced in the PV544 series production car. This innovative design, resembling a combination of a lap and sash belt, proved far superior to the then-prevalent lap belts in distributing the force of impact across the body during a collision.
A Decision Driven by Safety
Volvo’s decision to forgo the typical practice of protecting their invention with a patent and instead offer it freely to other manufacturers was driven by a deep commitment to public safety. They recognised the life-saving potential of the three-point seat belt and believed that its widespread adoption, regardless of brand or competition, was paramount.
The Enduring Impact
The impact of Volvo’s decision has been profound. The three-point seat belt is now a mandatory safety feature in cars, trucks, and even some buses across the globe. Its widespread use is estimated to have saved over a million lives and prevented or reduced the severity of injuries for millions more. The simple yet effective Y-shaped design, distributing impact energy across the shoulders, pelvis, and chest, has proven to be a cornerstone of automotive safety.
Volvo’s selfless act serves as a powerful example of how prioritising human well-being over commercial interests can lead to profound and lasting benefits for society.
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