Abstract: A vehicle door assembly having a safety latch mechanism is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a door having an inner and outer side, a frame for the door, hinges connecting the door to the frame, latch means for latching the opposite side of the door to the frame to restrain the door against pivotal movement, the latch means including mating male and female elements on the frame and door respectively. The latch means are operated by door handles, on both the inner and outer sides of the door, which serve to disengage the female element from the male element so that the door may be opened. The male element is mounted on the door frame by a retaining element, such as a shear pin, which under conditions of abnormal stress, such as in an accident, can release the male member from engagement with the door frame. One end of the male element is connected to a cable, which is connected at its other end to the door frame, and which is at least 3 inches longer than required for assembly.