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The role of seatback strength on occupant motion during rear-end collisions has been a focus of scientific investigation for decades. Despite being an integral component of the occupant restraint system, the role of seat belt restraints and the potential effect of various seat belt restraint system components, like pretensioners and latch plate design, on occupant motion and injury potential during rear-end collisions has received less attention. This study identifies and highlights what is currently understood about the role of seat belt restraints and components in rear-end collisions from the existing literature in detail for the first time. Previous studies that have investigated the role of pretensioning in occupant motion and loading did not provide detailed assessments of pretensioning effects on webbing loads and displacement, nor did they discuss the relationship between pretensioner deployment and latch plate design.