Why aren't seat belt catches located at the door side rather than the middle of the car?

Its better have it right were it is if you get hit in the door it would be crushed. Plus if it is a matter of life or death emergency personal just cut the seat belts. Plus if you were all by yourself and you slide off the road and hit a tree and the release button is smashed and you need to get out of the car in a hurry because of a fire or what ever you are screwed. So I say leave it where it is. I hope this answered your question and I hope it is the best answer.

Oldman

Because in an emergency, rescuer will cut the seat best instead of trying to undo the buckle.

If the door is caved in, cannot get to the release in all likelihood if on the outside. What then, if there is fire?

I would think rescue teams would have, as I am sure they do, cutting devices for belts.

Awkward as it is in your scenario, it is a case of necessity. Where else would they find an anchor point in the middle of the car.

You would need a full body harness like racing cars an they have a far more substantial reinforcing (roll bars etc)

the reason is because in 90 percent of accidents the door sides of the seats will be bent in or crushed therefore making it harder to gain access into the car. it is much safer.

ascertain lock is disengaged, then: 2 people- One interior vehicle holds the door latch take care of open, one exterior throws their bodyweight against door to launch the latch, one interior (nevertheless conserving latch take care of) kicks the door as some distance back (close to to the latch) and as hard as achievable. could take some kicks. Been there, carried out that.