Seat Belt Safety
American Red Cross – Central Illinois Chapter, Injury Prevention Program would like to remind drivers about the importance of wearing a safety belts. It only takes a second, and it’s the easiest way to protect yourself should you be in a traffic collision.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. The back seat is not safer than the front seat.
- Be sure that your safety belt fits across the hip bone and shoulder bone –lap/shoulder belts are better than lap belts alone.
- Children need to be restrained properly in an appropriate car seat at all times. 82% of child safety seats are installed inappropriately. The Red Cross has certified technicians on staff that can provide a free car seat installation.
Common seat belt myths debunked
- "I'm just driving down the street." This is the best time to wear your belt, since 80% of traffic related deaths happen within 25 miles of home and at speeds under 40 mph.
- "I won't be in a crash, I'm a good driver." You may be a good driver, but what about the millions of other drivers on the road?
- "I'll see it coming and brace myself." Even if you have time to extend your arms out, the force of the crash will shatter your bones.
- "I don't want to be trapped in the car." The best place to be in a crash is in your car. Not wearing a seatblet increases the risk of serious injury or death from being thrown from the car. If you are not thrown from the car it increases the odds of your being knocked unconcious.
- "I have airbags, I do not need to wear the safety belt." Airbags work WITH safety belts, not in place of them. They will not hold you in the car or keep you from moving around inside the car during a crash.
(Information from the Illinois Department of Transportation)
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A friendly reminder that the dangers of not wearing a safety-belt can have consequences.