It is a well-known fact that wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between surviving an accident unscathed and losing your life. However, there are plenty of myths circulating about seatbelts that can cause people not to wear their seatbelts, leading to avoidable injuries and even deaths. To ensure you do not release your seatbelt thinking you are putting yourself in danger, we will share seatbelt myths with you that can put your life at risk.
Myth 1. A seatbelt isn’t worth the time putting on
Seatbelts take little to no time to put on at all. You probably spend more time opening the door and entering the car than actually putting the seatbelt on. Plus, those few seconds of putting the seatbelt on can be the difference between life and death. With that in mind, buckle up every time you drive or sit in a vehicle.
Myth 2. You don’t need seatbelts if you have airbags
Airbags are not designed to work by themselves. They are paired with seatbelts. Their purpose is to cushion the impact while the seatbelt holds you in place to hit the airbags correctly. Without seatbelts, the chances of hitting the airbags in the wrong way are significantly increased, putting you at greater risk of injuries. While colliding with an inflatable bag doesn’t seem like a huge threat, people can die from airbag-related injuries if they’re not wearing a seatbelt.
Myth 3. Not wearing a seatbelt won’t hurt other people
Some may argue that seatbelts are a personal choice, that not wearing them will not hurt other people. Unfortunately, it does. In an accident, anything can become a projectile, including your body. If you are not wearing a seatbelt, there is a chance you may fly around inside the vehicle, injuring other passengers. Keep yourself and others from getting hurt. Wear your seatbelt.
Myth 4. Seatbelts will trap you when the car is on fire or sinking
Some people are afraid that when the car is on fire or is sinking in water, the seatbelt will trap them inside, leading to their demise. While they do happen, these scenarios are extremely rare—so rare that you are much better off wearing a seatbelt anyway. There are plenty of other ways to get hurt or die when you do not wear one. Plus, it takes a second to remove a seatbelt. When you’re wearing one, it is more likely you would stay conscious during an accident.
Conclusion
You may have heard a few other myths, that flying out of the car will lead to fewer injuries or that seat belts are unnecessary because accidents are rare. These myths are false and will only put you at greater risk of injuries or worse. With that in mind, always be sure that you put your seatbelt on when you are in a vehicle. Make sure others around you wear their seatbelt.
Safety must always be your priority, and when everyone buckles up in the car, your chances of survival increase phenomenally. That being said, if you have been through an accident, replace the seatbelts and other safety features if necessary. They’re a one-time use thing, and replacing them ensures the safety of you and your passengers.
Safety Restore is a post-accident restoration company specializing in seatbelt repairs, airbag modules, and more. Reach out to us today in Westfield to get your seatbelt repairs.
