Seatbelts

MYTH: If I'm driving only a short distance at low speeds, I don't need to wear a safety belt.
Over 80 percent of crashes occur at speeds of less than 40 miles per hour, and three-fourths of all fatal crashes occur within a 25 mile-radius from home. Some unbuckled drivers have been killed at speeds as low as 12 miles per hour. It's important to buckle-up on every ride, no matter how short or long the trip.

MYTH: I know that some cars are equipped with safety belts connected to the door. In a crash, the door might fly open causing a person to be thrown from the car. Wouldn't I be safer not wearing safety belts in these types of cars?
Any safety belt is better than no safety belt. Not wearing a safety belt greatly increases the risk of injury in a crash. The proper use of any type of safety belt system (manual or automatic) is safer than riding without a safety belt. Remember, to maximize your protection — buckle-up.

MYTH: If my car has an airbag, I don't need to use the safety belt.
An airbag alone (without using a safety belt) is only 18 percent effective in reducing injuries, which is only a little better than being unrestrained. A safety belt combined with an airbag, increases the effectiveness to 60 percent.

MYTH: If I decide not to wear a safety belt, I'm not hurting anyone.
Financially, it hurts all of us, not just individual drivers. Taxpayers pay 85 percent of the medical costs associated with traffic crashes. These costs are 50 percent higher for unbelted drivers than for those who are belted.

MYTH: All safety belts are created equal.
Lap and shoulder harness style safety belts offer significantly more protection; however, lap belts offer better protection than no safety restraints.

MYTH: I don't like the way the shoulder belt rubs against my neck. It's all right for me to put it under my arm. At least I'm wearing it.
Wearing the shoulder harness under the arm could cause broken ribs and serious internal injuries. Try adjusting the reclining position of the seat for a better fit. Most automobile supply stores sell pads to make shoulder harnesses more comfortable.

MYTH: If I'm in a crash and the vehicle ends up under water or catches fire, I'll be trapped if I'm buckled in.
If you're unbelted, you're more likely to be knocked unconscious by striking your head against the vehicle's windshield or interior, eliminating your chance of escape. Wearing a safety belt protects you from injuries and increases your chance for escape.

MYTH: If I'm in a collision, I might be thrown clear from the accident. If I'm wearing a safety belt, I won't be able to get out.

You are four times more likely to be killed if you're thrown from your car. Thus, you will be safer by remaining restrained in the vehicle during a crash.

MYTH: Children who are too big for child safety seats do not need to wear a safety belt if they're riding in the back seat.
Children between ages 4 and 15 must wear a safety belt, regardless of where they sit in the vehicle. Not only is this the law, it's also good for safety.

MYTH: If I'm pregnant, wearing a safety belt will harm my baby.
Pregnant women who wear safety belts greatly reduce injury to the mother and unborn baby. The lap belt should fit low across the hips, below the baby. Never wear it across the stomach. Wearing a safety belt minimizes the risk of striking the abdomen against the steering wheel. Some women late in pregnancy should avoid driving altogether, since they may not be able to get their abdomens a safe distance from the steering wheel.

MYTH: It's OK to hold a child on my lap as long as I'm wearing a safety belt.
Holding a child in your arms places the child in great danger and increases the likelihood that the child will be propelled through the windshield or crushed between you and the dashboard. In a crash, your arms will often be thrown out, releasing the child you were holding.

MYTH: My dog rides with me wherever I go. Putting a safety belt on her is just plain silly.
Your dog may be more likely than humans to be seriously injured or killed in a car crash. Pet stores offer safety belts for pets. Pets can also be transported in kennels or caged areas of the vehicle. Check with your veterinarian for information on proper pet restraints.

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