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:

    Safety Belt Care
    Keep belts clean and dry. WARNING! Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only wi ...

    Instrument Panel
    A. Exterior Lamp Controls. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). Instrument Panel Illumination Control. Head-Up Display (HUD) (If Equipped). B. Air Vents. C. Turn and Lane-Change Lever. See Turn and La ...

    Climate Control Influence on eAssist Operation and Fuel Economy (If Equipped)
    The climate control system is dependent upon other vehicle systems for heat and power input. Certain climate control settings can lead to higher fuel usage and/or fewer auto stops. The follo ...