An apparatus and an associated method relates to a directionally polarized deceleration module (PDM) include a shuttle (125) fixedly coupled to a spring-biased spool (120) rotatable coupled to a module housing (115), a dynamic braking member (DBM) (130) and the shuttle (125) configured to travel inside a channel anchored to the module housing (115). A tether may be anchored on a proximal end to the spool (120). As the tether is retracted, the DBM (130) may be pushed by an angled distal-end of the shuttle (125). The DBM (130) may be forced between the angled distal-end of the shuttle (125) and an inner channel wall, providing motional resistance to the tether. As the tether is extracted, the DBM (130) may be pushed substantially normal to a proximal-end of the shuttle (125), providing minimal motional resistance to the tether. Various PDMs may decelerate safety lanyards in one direction to substantially avoid tangling and/or damage.