Use Vehicle Seatbelts Safely
Seatbelts are the single most important protective mechanism available to adult vehicle occupants according to the U.S.-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is estimated that the correct use of a lap/shoulder belt system reduces the likelihood of death in a motor vehicle crash by 50 per cent.
Contents
Steps
- Avoid any DIY changes yourself. Due to the importance of seatbelts it is not recommended that these devices be tampered with in any way.
- Wear properly. To provide the best protection, wear the lap belt snug and low over the pelvic bones (hips). The shoulder belt must be worn over the shoulder and across the chest and never under the arm or behind the back.
- Always wear seatbelts. Air bags are not a replacement for seatbelts. They are designed to be used in conjunction with seatbelts. To ensure full protection, drivers should always wear seatbelts. Air bags do not provide a soft landing in an accident. They contain a pyrotechnic explosive that rapidly expands the bag. In an accident, they feel much like getting punched in the face with a boxing glove.
- Get a professional to fix errors. If your restraint system is worn, or is not returning to the snug position, please have it replaced by a professional. This is especially important if your car has been in an accident. Seatbelts are designed to ride down the impact of an accident by allowing an internal anchor to be forced through a series of tabs. Once this has happened, there is no longer a cushion effect left. It is not possible to adjust this yourself with certainty of safety.
Tips
- Replacement of seat belts is not expensive in comparison to the damage caused if they are not effective. Consider it has a health insurance payment.
Warnings
- Due to the importance of seatbelts it is not recommended that these devices be tampered with in any way.
References
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
