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This exploratory study investigated the effect of cognitive workload on manual lap belt usage in automatic restraint systems consisting of a passive motorized shoulder belt and a separate manual lap belt. Previous observational studies showed that, while these types of passive automatic restraint systems increased shoulder belt usage, occupants frequently did not engage the manual lap belt. This omission put the occupants at a significantly increased risk of injury in a crash. These studies also suggest that forgetfulness was one of the main reasons that occupants did not engage the manual lap belt. The objective of this study was to quantify manual lap belt usage with this type of automatic restraint system under varying cognitive workloads. Ten subjects participated in two testing sessions consisting of a low and high cognitive workload. During each test session, the subjects drove around a pre-defined course where they exited the vehicle at five locations to perform specific tasks.