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:

    Power Door Locks
    On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are located on the front doors. (Unlock): Press to unlock the doors. (Lock): Remove the key from the ignition and press to lock the doors. ...

    Auxiliary Devices
    This vehicle may have a 3.5mm (1/8 in) auxiliary input jack and a USB port, located in the center console. Some portable audio devices such as iPods®, MP3 players, and USB storage devices can be conn ...

    Hazard Warning Flashers
    The hazard warning flashers let you warn others that you have a problem. The hazard warning flasher button is located in the center of the instrument panel above the radio. : Press to make the ...