In a number of motor vehicle collisions, occurrences of severe abdominal injuries to rear seat occupants have been identified. as resulting from high loads imposed by Lap belt restraints. Misuse of the available lap-belt restraint system in terms of excessive slack being present, or improper placement of the Lap belt over the abdomen prior to the collision, has been shown to be a primary causal factor for the occurrence of such iniuries. These incidents underline the need for improvements in the design and collision performance of rear seat belt systems, and the seats in which these devices are installed. Public education is also required to highlight the correct manner in which current restraint systems must be used if optimal collision performance is to be achieved.