Seats and Restraints 2-15
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children
on
page 2‑43
or Infants and Young
Children
on page 2‑45
. Follow
those rules for everyone's
protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing
safety belts.
First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.
Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips,
just touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be less
likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would
apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of the
body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.