6 Tips on Using Seat Belts

Dec

author Autos 2011-12-22

Wearing seat belts can save lives. Studies show that a person has a 50% greater risk of suffering serious injury or death caused by accident if not wearing a seat belt.

Every year automotive manufacturers enhance safety requirements for new cars. Among the many new technologies, safety belt remains the basic means to protect drivers and passengers.

Here are some tips that will keep you safe while driving.

Passenger
Make sure passengers wear seat belts, including the passenger who sat in the back seat. Many new cars equipped with sensors that will alert you if seat belts are not used. Do not run the car until all passengers were wearing seat belts.

Wear a seat belt properly
Seat belts will not perform its function well if not used correctly. Belt should be placed on the shoulders. If this is not convenient, you can buy a belt shoulder pads. Pads can protect the neck and shoulder from friction with the belt. Fasten all seat belts. Belt is too loose will make it ineffective to protect the event of an accident.

Replace a damaged seat belt
Seat belts on most new cars use a durable material. Nevertheless, the seat belt can be damaged nonetheless, such as the emergence of yarn tassels. Seat belts should be wary of starting frayed. Surge withstand strength of the belt is no longer as strong as the original. In addition, also check that the belt can still be locked properly. If there is a mechanism that is damaged, immediately replace your car’s seat belt.

Children
Make sure children wear a seat belt properly. It’s safer to put the kids in the backseat. Children under 8 years must use an additional seat (car seat children) designed specifically for children. Similarly, infants should be placed in the back seat with a special baby seat.

One seat for one person
A seat belt must be worn only by one person. Using a belt often occur together, especially on the passenger in the back seat. Seat belts are designed to withstand loads only one person.

Myth
Some say pregnant women should not wear a seat belt. In fact, seat belts remain effective for pregnant women and rarely, if ever, lead to complications. Similarly, the airbag (airbags). Not safe to rely on airbags alone. In fact, even the air bag can cause injuries when seat belts are not used.