Miata Mailing List: May 1994, Message #43
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   From: weaverkl@c-17igp.wpafb.af.mil (Kent Weaver)
Subject: Seatbelts
   Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 08:02:28 -0400

  Question

      Has anyone ever seen any statistics on the safety of using your
   seatbelt while convertible.  Whenever I have the top up or hardtop on
   I put my seatbelt on, but I always question if I should put it on
   when the top is down.  It becomes a question of getting thrown from
   the car in a roll (possibly squashed or saved) or, getting my spine
   compressed and not being able to move or whatever in a roll.

  Answer:
Statistics prove that it is still much safer to wear seatbelts independent 
of the type of car.  SCCA only restricts the use of 5 point type shoulder 
harnesses or Turner Straps when running a convertible without a rollbar in 
Solo II.  The standard belt is still  highly recommended.  The writer was 
worried about wearing it with the top down but not when it was up, but the 
top will provide NO extra protection in the unlikely case of a rollover.  
Being thrown from the car is for all practical purposes always worse than 
remaining in the vehicle that is designed to take the impact for you.  A 
four point roll bar with structural integrity (not one that says it is for 
appearance) is the least you can do to protect yourself from the unlikely 
occurance of rollover if you are really worried about it.  (A full cage is 
the best protection of course.)  

Kent Weaver
'91 Red Miata  33 CS,  WOR
weaverkl@c-17igp.wpafb.af.mil