Seat belts have been known to save a lot of people. However, there are several misconceptions about them. For one, not everyone sees seat belts as a major need, more so making sure they are properly worn and even maintained.
This must change because, in 2019, of the 22,215 fatalities of vehicular accidents, 47 percent of the occupants were unrestrained. That’s more than 10,000 fatalities that could have been averted if proper car safety protocols, including wearing of seat belts, were followed.
We all must understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt. Doing so will help us learn what we can do to ensure we are properly buckled up every time.
Let’s look at the five misconceptions you need to know about wearing seat belts.
Misconception #1: No Need to Wear Seat Belts If You Aren’t Driving That Fast
If you are in a vehicle and moving, you should wear a seat belt, whether you’re driving fast or not. When the car suddenly stops, the inertia force can cause you to hit the windshield and the steering wheel.
For this reason, you should still be wearing your seat belt, even if you go just a few meters or drive only a few kilometers per hour. It is better to be safe than sorry or risk getting injured in a collision.
Misconception #2: Seat Belts Can Trap You in a Car Crash
Most people think that seat belts are like being trapped, so they decide not to wear a seat belt and then get stuck in the car during a crash. Furthermore, they end up in hospitals, and there are so many injuries they get from being stuck in the car. It is much better to wear a seat belt.
seat belts are not just there to make you feel safe while getting into your car or driving. They are there to protect you in case of an accident.
Misconception #3: With Airbags, a Seat Belt Is Unnecessary
Having a seat belt is not just for the driver. Airbags can protect you, but only if you wear a seat belt. Airbags will be able to protect you from going out of the windshield or hitting the front of the car.
However, airbags can’t protect you unless you wear a seat belt. It is not meant to protect a person from the crash but rather to cushion its impact. seat belts act as your restraint system inside the car by keeping you in place to reduce risk of severe injuries.
Misconception #4: Child Seats Do Not Need to Wear a Seat Belt
Children are often seen not wearing seat belts due to the misconception that they are not complicit in the crash. However, they should wear a seat belt, just like the adults should, for children can also get injured due to accidents, so make sure they wear a seat belt.
A child seat is just like a seat belt but safer. The child seat is made of harder material, making it safer than a regular seat belt. The child seat is still attached to the car in a crash and won’t bounce around too much.
In some countries, children are required to wear a seat belt. It is a law, so you must abide by it. If you don’t, you will be penalized for it. For this reason, you must buckle your child correctly to prevent the risk of them being injured.
Misconception #5: Seat Belts Should Be Worn Only during Daylight
Many people think that seat belts are only needed during the day. They believe that nighttime is fine without wearing seat belts. However, you should indeed wear seat belts during the day. It is also true that accidents happen when it is daylight. But it is not a guarantee that accidents will not occur at nighttime.
Just keep your seat belt on even if driving at night. Other drivers may not be able to see you and would crash into you, which can be fatal to your health.
Conclusion
Make sure that you wear your seat belt when riding in a vehicle. It is not just to protect yourself against traffic laws. It is also to protect yourself against injuries and even death.
If you have any of these five misconceptions about wearing seat belts, it is time for you to get rid of them immediately.
SRS Restore repairs seat belts and resets airbag modules. Instead of buying new, save money on repairs. We verify that your airbags are up to code, so you can rest certain that your airbag safety systems are in working order. If you need your airbags inspected, repaired, or examined, call us at (855) 552-7233 or visit our Facebook page.