How To Wear Seat Belts Properly - GMC Sierra 2500 HD 2023 Owner's Manual

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast
as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops
suddenly, you keep going until something
stops you. It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and the
vehicle slow down together. There is more
time to stop because you stop over a longer
distance and, when worn properly, your
strongest bones take the forces from the
seat belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Seat Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a
crash if I am wearing a seat belt?
A: You could be whether you are
wearing a seat belt or not. Your chance
of being conscious during and after a
crash, 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 seat belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental systems only.
They work with seat belts
of them. Whether or not an airbag is
provided, all occupants still have to
buckle up to get the most protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in all
Canadian provinces, the law requires
wearing seat belts.

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly

Follow these rules for everyone's protection.
There are additional things to know about
seat belts and children, including smaller
children and infants. If a child will be riding
in the vehicle, see Older Children 0 75 or
Infants and Young Children 0 77. Review and
follow the rules for children in addition to
the following rules.
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 seat belts.
There are important things to know about
wearing a seat belt properly.
not instead
Seats and Restraints
Sit up straight and always keep your feet
on the floor in front of you (if possible).
Wear the lap part of the belt 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.
Wear the shoulder belt 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.
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