Think about the physics in the two situations. In a laydown
configuration in a formula car a forward crash will make submarining a
huge issue. In an upright position in a production style racecar, the
chest and head moving forward is the greater issue than submarining.
Similarly, when you go upside down in a formula car, your whole body is
straining against the various belts. In an upright position, your weight
is pushing against your shoulder straps to a greater degree. The single
submarine belt in this case helps to keep the shoulder belt from moving
in the direction of your body. Two belts may do this to some degree, but
the connection with one is better (IMHO) because it is straight and more
solid.
That's why I use a five point in my racing Midget. I'm a fairly short
guy, though, and I have some tall buddies that race Midgets that are
probably lying down to a degree that a six point would make more sense.
David
On Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:38:56 -0600 "Larry Daniels"
<ladaniels@sbcglobal.net> writes:
>
> "5 point harnesses are designed for upright sitting positions where
> the sub
> belt helps restrict upward movement of the body during roll-overs. 6
> point
> belts keep lay down position drivers from submarining out from under
>
> restraints in a forward collision. Individual shoulder straps,
> properly
> mounted, minimize side to side movement of the driver. 4 Point "Y"
> type
> harnesses are not recommended as they may cause injury by applying
> side
> pressure to the spine in an accident."
>
> Ron
> _______________________________________________
>
> I'm not sure why they come up with a different function for a 5
> point vs a 6
> point harness. The only difference is whether they use a single or
> a double
> anti-submarine belt -- whose only function is to keep the driver
> from
> sliding forward underneath the lap belts on a frontal impact. The
> bit about
> restricting upward movement is new to me. I'm not sure how they
> expect that
> to work?
>
> BTW, my only experience is in a formula car where a 6 point is
> required.
> I'm not sure why anybody would ever use a 5 point.
>
> LAD
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