During safety checks on a 2006 Ford E-350 15 passenger (church) van it was observed that approximately 9 of the 13 rear passenger seat belts were unavailable because the belts or buckles had slipped down through the seat cushions and were lying on the floor. It was impossible to push the (doubled up) buckles / belts back up through the seat. It was necessary to use a torx T-50 bit on a 3/8 ratchet to remove the seat belt anchor bolts and thread the belts down from the top and then retighten the anchor bolts. It appears likely that the belts will soon slip back to the floor. This condition should be considered a significant problem by the NHTSA because of the frequency of reports of crashes involving similar 15 passenger vans, often overloaded with unrestrained students. Seat belt use would be encouraged by ensuring that the belts remain ready for use at all times. There were plastic inserts in some of the seat belt 'holes' which appeared to be intended to keep the belts in place. But, the plastic inserts prevent pushing belts up from underneath and do a poor job of keeping the belts from slipping down. A much better tether system is needed.

- Frostproof, FL, USA