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:

    Control of a Vehicle
    Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving. ...

    Navigation System
    If the vehicle has a navigation system, there is a separate navigation system manual that includes information on the radio, audio players, and navigation system. The navigation system prov ...

    Sunroof
    The vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding sunroof. To open or close the sunroof, the ignition must be turned to ON, ACCESSORY, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be active. Press and ...