Seat belts provide effective protection
Fig. 1 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt
during a sudden braking manoeuvre
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold the vehicle
occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. Seat
belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements which could lead to severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts
properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle .
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy. The
front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to reduce kinetic
energy. The amount of energy generated will thus decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce the risk of injury in
all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every trip – even if you are only planning
to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially reducing the risk of
injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the
protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident. This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in
most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For example, the front
airbags will be triggered only in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor
frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the
control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before
you drive off.
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