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:

    Driver Information Center (DIC)
    The Driver Information Center (DIC) display is located on the instrument panel cluster, below the speedometer. If your vehicle has DIC buttons, they are located on the steering wheel. The DIC can ...

    Passenger Sensing System
    Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger’s position. A passenger airbag status indicator in the rearview mirror will be visible when you turn your ignition key to ...

    Engine Exhaust
    WARNING! Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: • The veh ...