GMC Chevrolet SSR 2003 Owner's Manual page 17

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q:
Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I'm wearing a safety belt?
A:
You could be — whether you're wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you're upside down. And your chance
of being conscious during and after an accident,
so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater
if you are belted.
Q:
If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have
to wear safety belts?
A:
Airbags are in many vehicles today and will
be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag
system ever offered for sale has required the use
of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that
has airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That's true not only in frontal
collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.
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 — even one that isn't your fault — you
and your passenger 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.
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