When a driver states "I can move around, back and forth, in my shoulder harness, so the seat belt isn't working," is this fact or fiction?

The statement "I can move around, back and forth, in my shoulder harness, so the seat belt isn't working" is considered fiction because it demonstrates a misunderstanding of how seat belts function. A properly functioning shoulder harness is designed to restrain the occupant within the seat by limiting movement during a crash. While some slight movement is possible to allow for comfort and adjustment, excessive movement during a test of the seat belt could indicate that the harness is not being used correctly or is not installed properly.

In reality, a seat belt's effectiveness is not solely defined by its tightness but rather by its ability to secure passengers in place to reduce the risk of injury during a collision. If a driver can move significantly, it may mean that the belt is not properly adjusted, or that the driver is not positioned correctly within the seat itself. Understanding that seat belts are engineered to keep the occupants safe and to minimize their movement in a crash context is crucial for safe driving practices.