Skoda Rapid 2013 Owner's Manual page 71

The magnitude of the "kinetic energy" depends essentially on the speed at which
the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle and its occupants. The
greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which
has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The occupants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belt are therefore
not "connected" to their vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision, these persons
would therefore continue to be propelled forward at the same speed at which the
vehicle was moving before the collision! In view of the fact that the occupants of
the car in our example are not wearing seat belts, the entire kinetic energy of the
occupants, in the event of a collision, can only be absorbed by the collision
against the wall » fig. 48.
At a speed of approx. 18 mph (30 km/h) to approx. 30 mph (50 km/h), forces are
generated acting on your body that can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg or
2,205 lbs). The forces acting on your body even increase further at higher speeds.
This example does not just apply to frontal collisions, but to all types of accidents
and collisions.
Fastening or releasing the safety belt
Fig. 49 Insert the lock tongue of the seat belt into the belt buckle / Release
the lock tongue from the belt buckle

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 66.
Properly fastened and adjusted seat belts hold the occupants in position during a
sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident so that they can provide maximum pro-
tection » .
Fastening the seat belt
›
Correctly adjust the front seat and head restraint before fastening the seat
belt » page 63.
›
Use the lock tongue to slowly pull the webbing over your chest and pelvis.
›
Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle
until it clicks into place.
›
Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.
Releasing the seat belt
Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.
›
Press the red button in the belt buckle
›
Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing, the
seat belt does not twist.
WARNING
Improper routing of the webbing may cause serious or fatal injuries in the

event of an accident.
Optimal protection by the seat belts can only be achieved when the seat
■
backrest is in an upright position and the seat belt is adjusted properly accord-
ing to body size.
Releasing the seat belt during the ride may cause serious or fatal injuries in
■
the event of an accident or sudden braking manoeuvres!
» fig. 49 -  that is part of the seat
» fig. 49 - , the lock tongue pops out.
Seat belts

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