Driver Position; If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from; home, why should I wear safety belts?- Page 19

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Q:

If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?

A:

You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an
accident 

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 even one that isn’t your fault 

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 you and

your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver
doesn’t protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of
home. And the greatest number of serious injuries
and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph 
(65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to know about safety
belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller
children and babies. If a child will be riding in your
vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.”
Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap

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shoulder belt. The shoulder portion

of the belt has an energy management loop. It is
designed to open and help protect you in certain crashes.
If it opens, you will see a label on the safety belt that
says to replace the belt. Be sure to do so. If you don’t,
the safety belt won’t work properly and won’t protect
you in another crash. For more information on replacing
safety belts after a crash, see “Replacing Safety Belts” in
the Index.

Here’s how to wear the lap

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shoulder belt properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.