When getting in a car it is important to put your seatbelt on first. Safety is important, so here are 7 tips as to why it’s important to buckle up.
1. BUCKLING UP IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE THING TO DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF IN A CRASH
God forbid if you’re in an accident. The best line of defense is your seat belt. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.
2. AIR BAGS ARE DESIGNED TO WORK WITH SEAT BELTS, NOT REPLACE THEM
If you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag. Such force could injure or even kill you.
3. GUIDELINES TO BUCKLE SAFETY
The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach. Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
4. FIT MATTERS
Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you. Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit. If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders. If you drive an older car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.
5. SEAT BELT SAFETY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Doctors highly recommend that pregnant women secure themselves within a seat belt while in a vehicle. Buckling up through all stages of your pregnancy is the single most effective action that you can take to protect yourself and your unborn child in a crash.
6. ADJUST YOUR SEAT
Adjust your seat to a comfortable, upright position. Keep as much distance as possible between your stomach and the steering wheel. Make certain that you can comfortably reach the steering wheel and pedals. To minimize the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt, avoid reclining your seat more than necessary.
7. BUCKLING UP KEEPS YOU FROM RECEIVING A TICKET
It’s the law. Buckle up. Click it or ticket.