Seat belts are designed to provide protection against serious injury in the event of a collision. Although there is concrete proof that using them properly can save lives, many passengers and drivers still choose to wear them improperly or not use them at all. Instead, they believe in common misconceptions that wearing them causes discomfort or restrains them from moving freely. Because of this, they run the risk of getting injuries during a car crash.
Using seat belts every time you and your loved ones are in a vehicle is crucial. In fact, this can be the only thing saving you and your passengers during a car accident. To ensure you and your family are wearing this safety component properly, use this article as your guide.
How to Wear a Shoulder Harness Belt
Shoulder harness belts are installed in most vehicles. These must be worn by the driver, the front passenger, and the rear-seat passengers. To wear it properly, follow these three steps:
Step#1: Sit Upright
The proper way to wear them is to sit upright all the way to the back of your seat. Next, place the shoulder strap across your body, grip the seat belt at the metal latch, pull it towards your hip, then connect it to the seat belt buckle. Don’t forget to ensure the seat belt webbing is not twisted for your comfort.
Step#2: Position the Seat Belt Buckle
With your hand, find the seat belt buckle, then make sure its slotted top end is pointed upwards. The release button must also face away from you. Additionally, the seat belt buckle button should be on the outside part of the seat belt buckle for easy access and release. This is especially important in the event of a collision.
Step#3: Insert the Seat Belt
Next, insert the seat belt. Make sure you hear a click; this means the buckle is fully locked onto the seat belt latch. Then, pull on the seat belt at the buckle and adjust the entire belt to your body. To ensure the seat belt fits you well, the belt must cross your body at your collarbone. You can also change the seat and seat belt’s height. Finally, tighten the belt by your hips.
How to Wear a Lap Belt
Unlike a shoulder harness belt, wearing a lap belt is more straightforward. First, your hips must be all the way back in the seat while you remain in an upright position. Next, place the lap belt across your hips, then insert the seat belt in the buckle. Keep in mind that the button on the buckle must point away from you.
Afterward, adjust the lap belt in a way that it fits snugly on your waist. To adjust it tighter, lay the belt low on your hips, then pull the end of the lap belt away from the buckle until the sash is no longer loose.
Conclusion
Seat belts provide safety inside your vehicle by keeping you and everyone else in your seats during impact. For this reason, even though your car already has an airbag system, never stay complacent. Accidents can happen at any time, after all. This is why you have to make sure you and the passengers in your vehicle wear seat belts properly on every ride to avoid injuries in a collision.
Besides wearing seat belts properly, maintaining the excellent condition and functionality of your shoulder harness or lap belts is important. For this reason, seeking seat belt replacement, repair, or maintenance is vital with compromised seat belts.
If you need seat belt repair after your vehicle has been in an accident, reach out to Safety Restore. We rebuild seat belts for all makes and models within 24 hours. Our other post-accident restoration solutions include webbing replacement and airbag module resetting. Contact us to get your vehicle serviced!
