Montrose Collision Center

Do You Wear Your Seat Belts?

There is no doubt that seat belts cut down on severe crash-related injuries and fatalities by approximately 50%, based on statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The basic act of wearing a seat belt is the #1 way to diminish the risk of a crash causing one or more fatalities.  

So, if we know seat belts save lives, why do we continually see people not buckling up in Akron, OH? 

Here we at Akron , OH have provided some common complaints we hear at Montrose Collision Center about seat belts, but in reality they are "urban tales" that just aren't true.

"Seat belts are uncomfortable and restrictive."

If your seat belts cause you any type of discomfort, you need to adjust them properly or get new ones. Seat belts have come a long, long way when it comes to comfort and ergonomics and some of the top-tier carmakers in the world are designing amazing seat belt systems. Since the 1960s when seat belts were mandated by law, a wide range of technological innovations have made today's seat belts more comfortable for both driver and passenger.

For children, the shoulder belt needs to fit comfortably across the shoulder and chest, and the lap belt should always fit neatly across the upper thighs. Please Note: Children are usually between the ages of 8 and 12 years-old when they are ready for seat belts.  

Pregnant women should be sure to wear both the lap belt and the shoulder strap while in a vehicle. Lap belts should always be buckled under the belly and over the hips. Never place the lap belt across your stomach. The shoulder strap should always go right between the breasts and off to the side of the stomach to be positioned properly. Never put the shoulder strap under the arm for any reason.

"Seat belts trap people in their vehicles during crashes all the time."

Not true. If you've seen news stories where people were trapped in their cars were usually fire- and water-related accidents, which account for less than ,05% of all crashes in the U.S. In reality, seat belt systems can actually prevent you from being knocked unconscious, which can increase your chances of escaping during an accident.

"If I'm only driving around the block, a seat belt isn't needed."

Not wise. Short trips on residential streets can be more dangerous than you would think. Did you know that most traffic-related fatalities happen within 25 miles from your home and at speeds less than 45 mph, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? Don’t take any chances when you're going from your house to the grocery store down the street. Your life and the lives of your passengers are at stake when you decide to not wear seat belts.

Sources: NHTSA, Yahoo and AOL