How to Wear Seat Belts Properly

A: Airbags are supplemental systems only. They work with seat belts —

not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all

occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.

Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law

requires wearing seat belts.

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly

This section is only for people of adult size.

There are special things to know

about seat belts and children, and

there are different rules for smaller

children and infants. If a child will be

0 98. 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 seat belts.

There are important things to know about wearing a seat belt properly.

. Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front

of you.

. Always use the correct buckle for your seating position.

. Wear the lap part of the belt 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.

. Wear the shoulder belt 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.

{ Warning

You can be seriously injured,

or even killed, by not wearing your seat belt properly.

. Never allow the lap or

shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.

. Never wear the shoulder belt under both arms or behind

your back.

. Never route the lap or

shoulder belt over an armrest.