Dispelling seat belt myths

It only takes about five seconds to put on a seat belt, but it seems that some drivers are hesitant to take the time to buckle up.

" It's possible that people have some misconceptions about seat belts that keep them from using them," explains Shannon Ell, SGI's Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. "They think they may get trapped, that their air bag will protect them or even that they'll get hurt by the seat belt itself." Ell says most of the reasons not to buckle up are untrue, and wants to dispel some of the myths people have about seat belts.

Myth: I'll be trapped if there is a fire or the car goes into water.

Fact: Without a seat belt you are five times more likely to be knocked unconscious and be unable to make any effort to escape.

Myth: I've got an air bag and that's enough protection.

Fact: Air bags are not effective in side, rear or roll over collisions. It's also possible to be injured or killed by the force of your air bag deploying if you are not wearing your seat belt.

Myth: Seat belts can hurt you.

Fact: Seat belts won't hurt you if they're worn properly. The belt should fit low and snug on the hips, not high on the stomach. The shoulder belt should be over the shoulder, not under the arm.

Myth: It's better to be thrown clear.

Fact: You are three times more likely to be killed if you are ejected from the vehicle.

Myth: I can hold myself back in a collision.

Fact: In a collision, your body is thrown at a much stronger force than your weight, and it all happens in a split second. For example, let's say you weigh 75 kg. In an average car in a head-on collision on the highway, your body could be thrown forward with the force of around 1,500 kg in 50 milliseconds. Myth: I'm only hurting myself.

Fact: You could be thrown around the car and hit another occupant, such as your child. Or you could lose control of the vehicle because you are no longer behind the wheel, making the situation even more serious. In addition, your injury or death would have a huge impact on your family and loved ones. Contact: Shannon Ell

Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179

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