Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.

The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel...

or the instrument panel...

or the safety belts!

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.

    See also:

    Driver Seat Easy Exit
    When on, this feature will move the driver seat rearward upon turning the ignition off and opening the driver door. This may be performed to make it easier to exit the vehicle. See “Easy Ex ...

    Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
    Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start your engine and begin to drive away, ABS will check ...

    Vehicle Symbol Chart
    Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the Index. : Airbag Readiness Light : Air Conditioning : Antilo ...