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:

    Traction Control System (TCS)
    The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that the front wheels are spi ...

    Folding Mirrors
    Manual Foldaway Mirrors The vehicle has manual folding mirrors. These mirrors can be folded inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the ...

    Vehicle Personalization
    Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the audio system controls. These features include: ► Climate and Air Quality ► Comfort and Convenience ► Collision/Detection Sys ...