Why Are Seatbelts Important

E ach year 1.35 million people lose their lives in car accidents. Does this odd number scare you from ever traveling in a car again? It’s good if you’re scared because this means you’re ready to understand why are seatbelts important.

The simple step of buckling yourself up with seatbelts can protect you from the risk of facing fatality in case of a car crash. Keep reading to find out why are seatbelts important.

Keeps You In A Position

In case of a thud, your car might begin to spin or get out of control. In this situation, your fastened seat belt can help you stay in the position to make a rational decision on how to protect yourself quickly. Unfortunately, drivers who don’t fasten their seat belts often lose control of the car, leading to severe consequences.

Keeps You From Flying Out 

Research shows that the mortality rate increases when a person flies out of the car during a car accident. Seat belts help you secure yourself in the car, thus saving you from any external perils. This simple step of wearing a seat belt might help save a life, so do not skip buckling yourself up.

Spreads The Impact 

Once you secure yourself in the vehicle with a shoulder and lap belt, you can feel during bumps and skids that its impact is distributed over different parts of your body. This ergonomic design helps protect any part of your body from facing the trauma of impact force. Otherwise, your chest, head, and torso would be most exposed to injuries.

Safeguard Your Brain and Spiral Cord

If you hit your head on any hard object during a car accident, you are more likely to get brain injuries. These injuries can be minor concussions or could lead to diffuse axonal wounds, seizures, and catastrophic coup countercoup.

Moreover, sometimes the impact is so profound that your spine is also at risk. Even the slightest disturbance can result in one’s spinal cord being damaged -the results of which can be painful. Studies show that even a slight loss of motor function can have grave physical consequences. And the cost of keeping yourself from feeling the pain is enormous —from about $347,484 for initial treatment and $42,206 annually.

Slows Your Body Down 

If a car accident occurs and you’re not wearing your seat belt, it is most likely that your body will move/spin at the same speed as the car. As a result, we see in the movies that the driver and passengers hit their heads on the dashboard or the side window and sustain injuries.

However, if you are buckled up, your body slows down and remains secured to the seat. This is how many people come out of car accidents untouched.

Debunking Myths About Seat Belts

Many people often refuse to wear seat belts because of the misinformation they’ve heard. Perhaps debunking these myths might help you use seat belts and protect yourself from fatalities.

1- Seat Belts Will Trap You In The Car

Seat belts help you from losing your consciousness in case of a crash. This could help you make a rational decision and escape from the car. 

2- Seat Belts Are Uncomfortable

Seat belts are flexible, so you don’t have to wear them so tightly that they suffocate you. You should wear it tight enough that it secures you in one position. You can also get your car’s seat belts and buckles customized to fit you better and have a comfortable experience. 

3- Seat Belts Slow Me Down

Many people often skip the step to wear a seat belt because it takes them time to fasten it. Buckling yourself up should not take more than ten seconds. And, using a few seconds to save your life is a price everyone should be willing to pay.

4- I Don’t Need Seat Belts If I’m Not Going Far

Another dangerous myth people often have is that they don’t need a seat belt if they aren’t going too far. Nobody is promised that a car accident won’t occur within a short distance. It is always best to take full precaution every time you’re on the road —covering short or long distances.

5- I Don’t Need Seat Belt; I Have Car Bags

Car bags can only help you if you’re wearing a seat belt. If you’re not buckled up, you may miss the car bag and sustain injuries. So, it’s better to take a full pre-caution than a half one.

Car accidents can be fatal and have taken many lives before. The good news is that you can save yourself by simply buckling yourself up. Now, that you know why are seatbelts important, make a pact that you’ll never drive without wearing one!