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 seat on

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. The rider

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In

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:

    Parking Over Things That Burn
    WARNING: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn. ...

    Steering Wheel Adjustment
    To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever (A) down. 2. Move the steering wheel up or down. 3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you. 4. Lift the lever (A) up to lock t ...

    Older Children
    Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle safety belts. The manufacturer's instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations ...