If lap belts are dangerous (causing broken backs and stuff), why are they allowed in cars?
Lap belts used to be the only type of car restraint we had when restraints were first installed in cars. Then, over time, researchers learned that the impact of a crash could propel your upper body forward at such a speed and force, that the lap belt could cause harm, although it still kept you in your seat, preventing you from flying through the windshield. When this became known, manufacturers began installing three-point restraints (seat belts with chest straps) in the front seats, but they kept using lap belts in the back, thinking that the back seat drivers were safer than those in the front. This was proven to be false, so they began putting the three-point restraints in all seats of their vehicles. Lap belts still exist because there are still older cars on the road that either can't be retrofitted or the owner's choose not to. However, drivers and passengers are safer if they wear three-point restraints and should be encouraged to do so.
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