We all know that wearing a seat belt is way safer than the alternative. Say you get hit, or hit someone. Having a seat belt on can work wonders to keep you locked in place, and minimize the damage you receive from the accident. Nowadays, most people seem to understand the necessity behind them, but do they understand why? Aside from it being the law, there’s good bit of science behind why a seat belt does what it does…
Seat Belt Necessity: Why is it so Important?
Their Job
First of all, seat belts have the important job of keeping the impact of a crash from tossing you around. For instance, say you are traveling 50 miles per hour down the road, when you must abruptly stop. In that case, your cars stops quickly but your body continues to move in the same direction at the same speed. Without that trusty belt, your body has nothing in place to keep it from lunging forward, and potentially through the windshield in the event of a crash.
The Material
When it comes to bracing a high impact stop, this process can be dangerous. In short, you need the right, sturdy material in place to keep you locked in. Therefore, the material used to craft seat belts is sturdy, flexible, and can sustain the speed within which you are traveling forward. That way, it can restrain you without causing too much damage due to rebound effects.
The Placement
One of the most important aspects of proper seat belt use is the placement. Because your seat belt restrains with great force, it could cause serious damage to certain areas of your body. For this reason, you must wear it correctly. The intended placement should be over your shoulder and across your lap. By wearing the seatbelt correctly, the most force will be delivered to your pelvis, and rib cage. Both of these areas are able to withstand more force than other areas, without causing serious injury.
Furthermore, this means you should never wear your belt behind your shoulder or under your arm. Not only does it not offer the same protection, it can also cause injuries in the event of a crash.
Designed with you in mind
Ultimately, seat belts have been designed with you, and your safety, in mind. So, it’s important that we use them, and use them properly. By doing so, you give yourself the best chance of minimal injury in the event of a crash. Every accident is different, and there’s no telling what may occur. However, having one extra protection in place, might be just the thing that saves your life…