Seatbelt muting or storing security risks

In a casual conversation between a five-year-old girl and her mother, the child asked, “Mom, how does this ‘Mickey Mouse’ clip attach to the seatbelt base?” The mother replied, “This is a clip that replaces the seatbelt. When you plug it in, the car won’t beep.” The “Mickey Mouse” referenced here is commonly known as a seatbelt mule buckle or a seatbelt mute. It’s designed for people who don’t want to wear a seatbelt. By inserting it into the seatbelt anchor, the car’s warning sound or light is disabled, allowing the driver to avoid the “interference” of the seatbelt system. But is this really just a clever trick, or is it a form of self-deception? The idea of “eliminating the hassle of not wearing a seatbelt” has become popular online. A quick search reveals countless sellers offering these “silent buckles.” They come in various forms—cartoon designs, fabric, rubber, or even imitation car logos. Some are sold individually, while others are sold in pairs, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds. Cartoon models like Mickey Mouse, Pleasant Goat, and Big Big Wolf dominate the market, while some high-end options, such as the “Magic Diamond-shaped Stereo” type, can cost up to 300 yuan. Many stores claim these products are ideal for short trips, helping users avoid the inconvenience of wearing a seatbelt, especially in the front seat. Some listings show thousands of units sold. Beyond the internet, these silent buckles are also available in auto markets and even in large supermarkets. At a Wuhan Wuchang Nanhu Zhongbai Storage Supermarket, a pile of seatbelt buckles is displayed among automotive supplies. One pair of cartoon-style buckles labeled “Wancheng” costs 15 yuan, while another set, marked “Chengda Guangming,” is advertised as a “car seatbelt stereo letter buckle.” However, using these silent buckles poses serious risks. Every time someone uses one, it means one less person is wearing a seatbelt. According to a recent check by the Hubei Provincial Public Security Department's Expressway Police Corps at the Wuhan West Tollgate, two out of ten inspected cars used a seatbelt mute. Surveys suggest that many private car owners use these devices for various reasons: they find the seatbelt inconvenient, they’re too busy for frequent trips, or they feel the seatbelt interferes with their clothing. But the consequences can be dangerous. Experts warn that using a silent buckle can damage the vehicle’s electronic systems. As one 4S shop staff member explained, “Seatbelts vary in size and design, and each car’s pre-alarm system works differently. Using a silent buckle without caution may cause damage.” There have been real-life incidents linked to these devices. On September 17, 2010, in Zhengzhou, an Audi car struck a cyclist and then rolled forward after the driver left the seat. The police later found that the driver had not worn a seatbelt but instead used a silent buckle, which prevented the car’s electronic handbrake from engaging. “It’s ironic,” said a 4S shop employee. “Car manufacturers invest heavily to ensure safety, and drivers pay a lot for their vehicles. Yet a small clip costing just a few yuan can negate all that effort.” What’s even more concerning is that some 4S stores still sell these items or give them as free gifts with new cars. In summary, while these silent buckles may seem harmless, they pose significant risks to both the driver and passengers. Safety should never be compromised for convenience.

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