Ok, let me try and explain what I was saying for those of you who blatently misunderstodd where I was coming from:
One, forget commercial flying, im talking civilian as a whole. For none commercial flights, we all know that the PPL(H) often allows his passengers to sit themselves in and fasten theyre own seatbelt, especially when people are getting in and out when rotors are running. The 'one click fastens in' approach of the robinsons (for example) is therefore more likely to ensure the seatbelt is fastened properly as opposed to the four point harness which is not often (to the amateur) an easy thing to fathom out and, once fastend, should be properly adjusted into position (lap straps first, then shoulder straps.
If the seatbelt isnt fastened properly it wont work as it should - surely you agree?
So we see the diagonal system e.g. R44 is easier to understand to the person not used to air travel.
So, now were wearing any kind of seatbelt fitted properley, were more likely to survive a crash.
The UK CAA are extremely safety conscious, perhaps too much, but nevertheless, they would never approce a restraint system that doesnt meet the crash requirements. Crikey, my new R44 had to have its fire extinguisher holder relooked at because the extinguisher would come out with 13.5G impact, and the rules say 14G. For the record, before any of you think im just a robo pilot, im rated on R22, R44, Bell206, Bell47.
so as for the harnesses, Im used to both types, and I do agree that the 4 point 'feels' safer.
Secondly, in the event of an accident, panic and confusion will occur to the passengers and pilot. The pilot is used to getting out of harnesses, seatblets etc so if rapid evacuation of incident survivees is required (e.g. ditched in water, a/c fire etc) then surely (as we all travel in cars etc that have the diagonal restraint) the passenger is quite adapt at reaching to theyre hip and undoing a seatblet?
To be fair, I think the main point is the fitting/wearing of a seatblet in the first place.
No doubt plenty of you will beg to differ (especially all you experienced commercial guys) but try and think of that person who has hardly ever flown, has to get in a helicopter, and put on a seatbelt.