Seatbelts save lives: it is now known that the simple action of belting up has saved more lives than any other road safety intervention in history.

Even still, some people think that wearing a seatbelt is a waste of time or will cause them more injury in a crash... let's explore the facts!

 

 

 

Reality

Really? Bad excuse! Seatbelts can be uncomfortable to start with, but you get used to them. As for restraining, that’s what they are supposed to do!

A seatbelt restrains you in your seat in the event of a crash so that you don't shoot out of the windscreen.

 

 

Reality

You’re kidding. Unrestrained passengers in rear seats are a threat not only to themselves but to those sitting in the front seats. In case of a crash, they can be thrown into the back of the front seats or hit other passengers, causing injury.

 

 

Reality

Well, actually... Check out what it says on the air bag: SRS, meaning supplementary restraint system. Airbags are not designed to work alone but to supplement the work of seatbelts. An air bag will not prevent you from being thrown out of the car, as a seatbelt will, and might actually cause severe injuries in high impact crashes. Seatbelts are by far the most important protection you can have in a crash.

 

 

 

Reality

Most crashes happen within 4 km of home and at speeds less than 60 kmph. Even at low speeds, the impact of a crash without a seatbelt can be serious and sometimes fatal. Wearing a seatbelt at all time is therefore crucial to your safety.

 

Hmmmm. Not more than you will be hurt without one. Seatbelts are meant to restrain you in your seat and prevent you from being smashed into the steering wheel or back of the front seat, or thrown out of the car. Three quarters of people who are thrown from the car in a crash are killed. Seatbelts rarely cause any injuries and if they do they are usually surface bruises.

 

 

securityBuckle up! No excuses...

The simple fact is seatbelts save many lives. Coupled with good driving behaviour, extra safety features and safer roads, your much more likely to survive if involved in a road crash.

Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of a fatal injury up to 75% for rear seat occupants!

For front seat occupants it reduces the risk of a fatal injury up to 50%.

 

Download the WHO Facts

Seatbelts laws

 

Learn about the other key risk factors

Helmets Speeding Drink-driving Distracted-driving