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:

    Door Ajar Messages
    DRIVER DOOR OPEN This message may display when the driver door is open. Close the door completely. HOOD OPEN This message will display when the hood is open. Close the hood completely. LEFT REAR D ...

    Driver Information Center (DIC)
    The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays information about the vehicle. It also displays warning messages if a system problem is detected. See Vehicle Messages  for more information. All ...

    Underbody Maintenance
    Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor ...