Seat belt safety Q & A

Q What is the most effective way to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from traffic crashes?

A Use of seat belts.

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Q What's the right way to wear your seat belt?

A The lap belt or lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt should be adjusted so it is low and snug across the pelvis/lap area. It should never be worn across the stomach.

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Q What happens inside the victim’s body when it strikes an object such as the steering wheel?

A Internal organs collide with other internal organs and bones.

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Q How do a seat belt and shoulder belt work to prevent injury?

A Safety belts distribute the forces of rapid deceleration over larger and stronger parts of the body such as the chest, hips and shoulders. The belt stretches slightly to allow a little more time for deceleration between the instant when the vehicle stops moving and the person’s body stops moving forward. Also, the person’s head, face and chest are less likely to strike the vehicle interior.