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:

    How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
    This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a chi ...

    Guidelines
    The RVC system has a guideline overlay that can help the driver align the vehicle when backing into a parking spot. To turn the guidelines on or off: 1. Shift into P (Park). 2. Press the CONF ...

    Pulling a Trailer
    Here are some important points: . There are many laws, including speed limit restrictions that apply to trailering. Check for legal requirements with state or provincial police. . Do not t ...