document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 194 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
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Seat belts
Seat belts
the forces acting on the occupants and consequently the risk of
injury.
Why is it so important to use seat
belts?
Although these examples are based on a frontal collision, the phys-
ical principles involved are the same in other types of accidents and
for vehicles with an airbag system. This is why it is so important to
put on the seat belts before every trip – even when “just driving
around the corner”. Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
Seat belts provide effective protection
The common belief that passengers can brace their
weight with their hands in a minor collision is false.
belts as well ⇒
.
Properly worn seat belts have been shown to be an effective means
of reducing the potential for injury and improving the chances of
survival in a serious accident ⇒ page 195, “Forces acting in a colli-
sion”.
For information on how children can travel safely in the car
⇒ page 210, “Points to remember if children are travelling in the
car”.
Fig. 203 Driver
protected by the prop-
erly worn seat belt
during a sudden brake
manoeuvre
WARNING
• Seat belts must be put on before every trip – even when driving
It is an established fact that seat belts provide good protection in
accidents. Therefore wearing a seat belt is required by law in most
countries.
in town. This also applies to the rear passengers (injury risk).
• During pregnancy, women should always ensure they wear a
seat belt. The best way to protect the unborn child is to protect the
mother ⇒ page 198, “Wearing and adjusting the seat belts during
pregnancy”.
Properly worn seat belts hold the occupants in the best position for
maximum protection ⇒ fig. 203. The seat belts are capable of
absorbing much of the kinetic energy arising in a collision. Also they
help to prevent uncontrolled movements which could lead to severe
injuries ⇒ page 195, “Important safety instructions for using seat
belts”.
If they wear the seat belts correctly, the passengers benefit greatly
from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy gradually.
The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as
the airbag system) are also designed to absorb the kinetic energy
generated in a collision. Taken together, all these features reduce
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