when was the seatbelt invented

Short answer: the seat belt predates the motor car—early versions appeared in the 19th century, with a U.S. patent by Edward J. Claghorn in 1885.

The game-changer was the modern three‑point seat belt (1959), designed by Nils Bohlin at Volvo and quickly licensed to the world. Car makers flirted with lap belts in the 1950s, but adoption rocketed once the three‑pointer proved it could save lives without garrotting your cardigan. For local bragging rights, Victoria became the first place to mandate wearing seat belts in 1970, and the road toll promptly got the hint. So yes, invented in the 1800s, perfected in 1959, and the reason you’re still reading this.