Abstract: The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright restraint system in a police vehicle. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an ALR/ELR retractor. The ALR/ELR retractor comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of seat belt buckles, which significantly reduces the possibilities of injuries to police officers.

Abstract: An occupant sensing apparatus for controlling operating characteristics of a vehicle's safety restraint system is provided. The apparatus has a first proximity sensor emitting a field in a first direction and generating a first output signal indicative of the object and a second proximity sensor emitting a second field in a second direction that is substantially towards the field in the first direction and generating a second output signal indicative of the object. A controller receives the first and second output signals and generates a control signal that is used to control the operating characteristics of the vehicle's safety restraint system.