Skoda Auto, the Czech automaker with vehicles that have much in common with Volkswagen models like the ID.4, has come up with a new patent for seatbelts that could make a real difference in improving the rate that drivers wear these life-saving devices.

As tweeted by Skoda UK Media, the idea is an illuminated smart seat belt which makes it much easier to buckle up at night when visibility is low. In an era where self-driving cars are becoming a reality, it's hard to believe that this simple idea hasn't been widely implemented by now.

Let's be honest. How many times have you gotten into a car, especially the back of an Uber after a late night out, and fumbled with trying to find the belt buckle for a few seconds before eventually giving up and hoping for the best? Humans like things to be easy, which is why one-touch electric windows and automatic climate control systems came along. Skoda's new smart buckle caters to our desire for minimal effort with LED lights replacing the usual red eject button, making it super easy to find it at night. As you can see, the button glows either white or red, depending on whether someone is in the seat or not.

It's a simple and effective idea that could genuinely save lives. We've all seen countless stories of drivers being ejected from their vehicles in a high-speed crash, which drastically reduces the chances of survival. Seatbelts haven't evolved dramatically since they were invented in the mid-19th century, although many modern vehicles now feature safety belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners. Mercedes has even come up with an inflatable seatbelt that doubles as an airbag. Skoda's latest development is a simpler idea but one that could genuinely encourage more drivers and passengers to buckle up. Let's hope that this feature makes it into more cars in the future.