How many times have you been driving around DFW and asked your passenger and/or driver why they weren’t wearing their seat belts and gotten one of the following replies: We aren’t going that far… We aren’t going fast… We’re in a big truck… I have air bags, etc. These are among many others are excuses/reasons why people say they won’t wear a seat belt. However, they are all common misconceptions. In light of National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization week, I thought it wise to debunk these seat belts myths so the next time a friend gives you an excuse, you can explain to them why they are wrong.
Since the car has airbags, you don’t need a seat belt.
Wrong! Air bags are designed to protect a buckled occupant. When unbuckled, airbags become less effective or worse, can become deadly themselves. You’ve all heard horror stories of air bag burn, right? Well imagine how much harder the contact will be between you and that air bag without a seat belt on.
Seat belts can trap you in a fire or underwater.
Incidents involving fire or water account for .5 percent of all crashes. But more importantly, you can’t escape such dangers unless you’re conscious… and wearing a seat belt gives you a much greater chance of being conscious and able-bodied.
If you’re not going far or traveling fast seat belts aren’t necessary.
Most fatal crashes happen within 25 miles from home and at speeds of less than 40 mph.
Your seat belt can hurt you in a crash.
In a crash, everything in your car can cause you harm – your seat belt is one of the few things that can actually save you.
Being in a Chevrolet truck or Chevrolet SUV makes you safer than everyone else.
For SUV, pickup, and van occupants, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent.
So there you have it, Chevrolet owners. Five of the most common excuses people give for not wearing their seat belts. Pass on the word, and let’s reduce fatalities caused by not wearing our seat belts.
Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.