Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.

The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel...

or the instrument panel...

or the safety belts!

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.

    See also:

    Starter Switch Check
    WARNING When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured. 1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room aro ...

    Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inflate a Punctured Tire
    Follow the directions closely for correct sealant usage. When using the tire sealant and compressor kit during cold temperatures, warm the kit in a heated environment for five minutes. Thi ...

    Speedometer
    The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). ...