Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle enables the vehicle to withstand fore, aft and side impacts without operating the latch. A linkage assembly has two links connecting the door handle and door latch. The links are connected to one another at a pivot point. The pivot point connecting the links in the vehicle door moves vertically to operate the latch in response to operation of the door handle. The pivot point is free to move horizontally fore, aft and sideways without operating the latch. By having this freedom of movement, the pivot point is free floating so that the vehicle can withstand fore, aft and side impacts without operating the latch.