How To Wear Safety Belts; Properly - Chevrolet 2011 Impala Owner's Manual

3-14 Seats and Restraints

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly

This section 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 infants. If a child
will be riding in the vehicle, see
Older Children on page 3 42 or
Infants and Young Children on
page 3 45. Follow those rules
for everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more
often in crashes than those who
are wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.
First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information
you should know.
Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips,
just touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be less
likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would
apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much
protection this way.