Vendor Newsmaker Q&A: Robert Allison

Jan. 1, 2020
Robert Allison is the CEO of LifeBelt, Inc.

LifeBelt, Inc. has launched an aftermarket safety device designed to ensure that everybody in the car is riding with a securely fastened seatbelt. A vehicle won’t even start if the driver is not buckled in. And once underway, if anyone onboard unbuckles the tunes emitting from the sound system are unceremoniously overridden by a loud alarm.

The new product is especially effective when dealing with recalcitrant teenagers, reports CEO Robert Allison.

“Programs that penalize drivers for not wearing their seatbelts don’t work, especially with teens. They’re still not getting the message that wearing a seatbelt can save their life,” he explains.

“With LifeBelt, parents no longer need to worry whether their teen driver is being honest with them – they can rest assured that they are indeed wearing their seat belt,” Allison asserts.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers, accounting for more than one in three deaths. Nearly 63 percent of people who die in car crashes were not wearing their seatbelts.

Allison emphasizes that it’s not just teens that can benefit from the unit, which carries a recommendation that it be professionally installed. “We as parents need to lead by example. Too many of us think that we don’t need to wear our seatbelt just driving down the street to the convenience store,” he notes. “The truth is that the majority of accidents happen less than 10 miles away from our home. Not only is LifeBelt a safety device, but it helps with behavior modification.”

PAGE 2


It can also assist parents with inquisitive toddlers in booster seats who may have figured out how to unfasten the accompanying apparatus. “While mom is driving she might not be aware this has happened,” Allison observes. The sounding of the alarm promptly alerts parents to the backseat situation.

Allison recently fielded several questions about the device:

How does LifeBelt operate?

LifeBelt is installed in the car’s fuse box, and with design functionality enabled through the radio, prevents the car from starting until the driver’s seatbelt is fastened. Once the car is in operation, if any of the car passengers – up to eight – unbuckle, the car radio is turned off and a 50db alarm will sound until all unfastened belts are refastened; to note, during this control process the safe operation of the car is not affected in any way.

How can it help different demographics of drivers? (kids, parents, older drivers, etc.)

A: The benefit is that drivers are required to put on their seatbelt if they want the car to start. The reality is that most people wear their seatbelts, but if they are distracted or in a hurry they may not act upon what they know is prudent at all times. Or perhaps, a driver reasons that “I’m only driving to the store, and there won’t be many cars on the road at this hour, I don’t need my seatbelt.” These momentary lapses can have tragic and life-changing effects. Another concern is children that are seatbelt magicians that pop their belts off without parents knowing. With LifeBelt, parents will gain awareness instantly. Also, older drivers often require prompting safeguards to offset complacency spurred by years of operating without incident.

How would you rate the anticipated demand among motorists and parents for LifeBelt? Do you expect a large market for this?

I would hope that once parents of the 15 million teenaged drivers know that LifeBelt is available we will have an overwhelming response. I then believe that other segments would opt-in, or be receptive to the product, to have it available as an option to influence their own behavior or that of a family member.

You’ve noted that LifeBelt should be installed by professionals. How difficult is the installation process, and can you briefly describe what’s involved?

Installation requires capabilities akin to installing a car stereo. To some it would seem quite straightforward, but to average drivers most would opt to retain the services of a professional installer. Engaging technicians that support such installations daily also brings an added degree of assurance. For the former group that may approach self-installation, detailed documentation is provided, supplemented by an online video.

PAGE 3

How can an aftermarket operation induce additional LifeBelt sales? What types of promotions do you suggest?

With the right relationship I could envision working with a national chain (that has a focus on marketing tires or similarly safety-oriented components). With a package pricing approach, a LifeBelt could be included during the installation.

You’re working with non-profit organizations to market LifeBelt. Could you please describe what these programs entail?

We have done some work with non-profits ranging from organizations like Safe Kids to churches. With every unit sold through Safety Mom Direct, a donation of up to $20 can be made to any school association selected by the buyer of the unit.

How can a repair shop, parts store or warehouse distributor sponsor or otherwise become involved with charitable groups in a given market to help promote LifeBelt sales?

If a warehouse distributor has an interest in aligning sales with local charity objectives or campaigns, we are positioned to work with them in devising pricing and promotion guidelines to help make LifeBelt available to people in their community. Our goal at LifeBelt, Inc. is to make LifeBelt available to as many people as possible.

What might some of these activities entail?

In the past we have worked with driving schools and safety organizations, and we look to expand these types of campaigns. We have begun contacting PTAs across the country updating them on the product and fundraiser aspect.

For more information, visit www.nobucklenostart.com.

LifeBelt, Inc. has launched an aftermarket safety device designed to ensure that everybody in the car is riding with a securely fastened seatbelt. A vehicle won’t even start if the driver is not buckled in. And once underway, if anyone onboard unbuckles the tunes emitting from the sound system are unceremoniously overridden by a loud alarm.

The new product is especially effective when dealing with recalcitrant teenagers, reports CEO Robert Allison.

“Programs that penalize drivers for not wearing their seatbelts don’t work, especially with teens. They’re still not getting the message that wearing a seatbelt can save their life,” he explains.

“With LifeBelt, parents no longer need to worry whether their teen driver is being honest with them – they can rest assured that they are indeed wearing their seat belt,” Allison asserts.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers, accounting for more than one in three deaths. Nearly 63 percent of people who die in car crashes were not wearing their seatbelts.

Allison emphasizes that it’s not just teens that can benefit from the unit, which carries a recommendation that it be professionally installed. “We as parents need to lead by example. Too many of us think that we don’t need to wear our seatbelt just driving down the street to the convenience store,” he notes. “The truth is that the majority of accidents happen less than 10 miles away from our home. Not only is LifeBelt a safety device, but it helps with behavior modification.”

PAGE 2


It can also assist parents with inquisitive toddlers in booster seats who may have figured out how to unfasten the accompanying apparatus. “While mom is driving she might not be aware this has happened,” Allison observes. The sounding of the alarm promptly alerts parents to the backseat situation.

Allison recently fielded several questions about the device:

How does LifeBelt operate?

LifeBelt is installed in the car’s fuse box, and with design functionality enabled through the radio, prevents the car from starting until the driver’s seatbelt is fastened. Once the car is in operation, if any of the car passengers – up to eight – unbuckle, the car radio is turned off and a 50db alarm will sound until all unfastened belts are refastened; to note, during this control process the safe operation of the car is not affected in any way.

How can it help different demographics of drivers? (kids, parents, older drivers, etc.)

A: The benefit is that drivers are required to put on their seatbelt if they want the car to start. The reality is that most people wear their seatbelts, but if they are distracted or in a hurry they may not act upon what they know is prudent at all times. Or perhaps, a driver reasons that “I’m only driving to the store, and there won’t be many cars on the road at this hour, I don’t need my seatbelt.” These momentary lapses can have tragic and life-changing effects. Another concern is children that are seatbelt magicians that pop their belts off without parents knowing. With LifeBelt, parents will gain awareness instantly. Also, older drivers often require prompting safeguards to offset complacency spurred by years of operating without incident.

How would you rate the anticipated demand among motorists and parents for LifeBelt? Do you expect a large market for this?

I would hope that once parents of the 15 million teenaged drivers know that LifeBelt is available we will have an overwhelming response. I then believe that other segments would opt-in, or be receptive to the product, to have it available as an option to influence their own behavior or that of a family member.

You’ve noted that LifeBelt should be installed by professionals. How difficult is the installation process, and can you briefly describe what’s involved?

Installation requires capabilities akin to installing a car stereo. To some it would seem quite straightforward, but to average drivers most would opt to retain the services of a professional installer. Engaging technicians that support such installations daily also brings an added degree of assurance. For the former group that may approach self-installation, detailed documentation is provided, supplemented by an online video.

PAGE 3

How can an aftermarket operation induce additional LifeBelt sales? What types of promotions do you suggest?

With the right relationship I could envision working with a national chain (that has a focus on marketing tires or similarly safety-oriented components). With a package pricing approach, a LifeBelt could be included during the installation.

You’re working with non-profit organizations to market LifeBelt. Could you please describe what these programs entail?

We have done some work with non-profits ranging from organizations like Safe Kids to churches. With every unit sold through Safety Mom Direct, a donation of up to $20 can be made to any school association selected by the buyer of the unit.

How can a repair shop, parts store or warehouse distributor sponsor or otherwise become involved with charitable groups in a given market to help promote LifeBelt sales?

If a warehouse distributor has an interest in aligning sales with local charity objectives or campaigns, we are positioned to work with them in devising pricing and promotion guidelines to help make LifeBelt available to people in their community. Our goal at LifeBelt, Inc. is to make LifeBelt available to as many people as possible.

What might some of these activities entail?

In the past we have worked with driving schools and safety organizations, and we look to expand these types of campaigns. We have begun contacting PTAs across the country updating them on the product and fundraiser aspect.

For more information, visit www.nobucklenostart.com.

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