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:

    Turn and Lane-Change Signals
    The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions let you signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. ...

    Rear Seats
    Folding the Seatback Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space. Fold a seatback only when the vehicle is not moving. Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts stil ...

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
    To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk . 2. Lift the load floor. A. Retainer Nut B. Tool Bag Tether C. Tool Bag D. Spare Tire 3. Turn the retainer nut (A) counter ...