Types of Racing Harnesses

• Racing harnesses come in four-, five- and six-point configurations. A four-point harness has a belt over each shoulder and two lap belts. The five-point harness adds an additional strap from the lap belt to the floor. This belt is often referred to an an antisubmarine belt, whose function is to keep the driver from sliding forward toward the front of the car. Six-point harnesses replace the single antisubmarine belt with two belts. Dual antisubmarine belts reduce the risk of potential injury that a single belt may cause by distributing the load across the driver's body in the event of a crash.
  
  

Harness Ratings

• Many racing events require the use of approved racing harnesses. Approval is determined by one or more organizations that test safety equipment for attributes such as strength, durability and fire resistance. The FIA Institute is the organization recognized worldwide that provides approval for safety harnesses. In the United States the SFI Foundation is the recognized approval agency. Many safety harnesses will carry the approval of both organizations. Ratings for a specific harness along with the date of manufacture are included on the belts.
  
  

Installation

• Proper installation of the safety harness is crucial in the event of a crash. The harness belts must come over the shoulders, mounted no more than four inches lower than the top of the driver's shoulder. The lap belts must be mounted 2.5 inches forward of the intersection of the seat back and seat bottom. Antisubmarine belts are mounted below the driver and routed through the seat cushion to minimize the distance a driver can slide forward.
  
  

Use of Harnesses

• Racing harnesses require more attention to proper use than do standard three-point automobile seat belts. Harnesses need to be tightened first at the lap belts, followed by the shoulder belts and antisubmarine belt. Belts should be tighten until a minor bit of discomfort is felt by the driver. Racing harnesses will stretch considerably during a collision and tight belts help reduce the movement of the driver due to belt stretching. To avoid injury to the driver during a collision, verify after tightening the belts that the point at which all belts join is over the pelvic area.
  
  

Street Use

• Racing harnesses are designed for use in a racing environment. Many states prohibit the use of racing harnesses on public roadways. Racing harnesses reduce the ability of the driver to move in the seat and restrict the driver's view. Consult local laws regarding use of racing harnesses before using them during normal driving.