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168
Seat belts
Seat belts
Why seat belts?
It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fastened and adjusted hold the occupants of
the car in the correct seated position
(energy of motion) to a considerable extent. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed
by the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety
measures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy.
The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
⇒ page 169.
Fig. 169 Driver wearing seat
belt
⇒ fig.
169. Thus
⇒ fig.
169. The belts reduce the kinetic energy
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle ⇒ page 184, "What you should know about trans-
porting children!".
WARNING
Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in
town! This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way
of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child ⇒ page 170.
It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts
are to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety
belts should be fitted properly on the next pages.
Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.
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