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99% of people have no idea about seatbelt safety
Many drivers appear to have their seatbelts fastened from outside the car, but if you get close, you can see that the way they wear them doesn't actually make the seatbelt effective; they're just trying to avoid getting caught by traffic cameras. In reality, using a seatbelt incorrectly not only fails to protect you but can actually be dangerous.
The woman in the red circle in the picture survived because she was wearing a seatbelt▎Seven common seatbelt mistakesHere are seven common seatbelt mistakes, check if any of these apply to you:
1. Buckling the seatbelt in advance, but when checked by the traffic police, only placing the shoulder strap over the neck without fastening the waist belt; 2. After fastening the seatbelt, placing the shoulder strap below the arm; 3. Hanging the seatbelt on one arm only without clipping the buckle; 4. Not having the seatbelt spring back properly after fastening due to damage; 5. Pulling the seatbelt too long and fixing it with a clip before fastening, making it ineffective; 6. Loosening the two-point seatbelt in a passenger vehicle before fastening; 7. Hanging the two-point seatbelt over the shoulder.
▎Why do drivers and passengers incorrectly use seat belts?
1. Drivers with special body shapes find seat belts uncomfortable
Drivers or passengers may have body issues, such as being overweight or having certain physical impairments, which make wearing a seat belt uncomfortable, so they choose not to wear it.
2. Hot weather makes wearing a seat belt sweaty
In hot or stuffy conditions, wearing a seat belt can cause it to stick to the body due to sweat, making it uncomfortable while driving and leaving marks on clothing when removed, so some people skip it.
3. Damaged seat belts
If the seat belt mechanism is broken and not repaired promptly, it may be impossible to fasten it properly.
4. Thinking it doesn’t matter if they don’t wear it
Some people skip wearing a seat belt either out of convenience or because they think it’s no big deal. Some cars sound an alarm if the belt isn’t fastened, so some people buy a separate buckle to bypass wearing the seat belt.
▎The correct way to fasten a seatbelt
Seat belts can be adjusted up and down, which everyone needs to be aware of. The seat belt position adjustment mechanism is located near the B-pillar and can move up and down so that the three-point seat belt fits drivers of different heights. 1. The first step in using a seat belt is to adjust the shoulder position of the seat belt. In the picture above, if the shoulder strap is too high, it could hurt the neck of the driver or passenger; if it is too low, the strap may slip, failing to prevent the body from leaning forward. So when adjusting the seat belt height, make sure the shoulder strap goes across the centre of your shoulder (as shown above). 2. How do you wear a seat belt correctly?
The main function of the seatbelt shoulder strap and lap belt is to cushion the momentum of occupants moving forward or backward during an accident and keep them secured to the seat. When worn correctly, the shoulder strap should cross the chest and the lap belt should fit snugly over the hips. This ensures that in an accident the force acts on our bones rather than our soft internal organs. Although the buckle clicks when fastened, it’s still important to tug the belt lightly to make sure it is properly locked and undamaged. Many drivers overlook this step.▎Seatbelts also need maintenance In routine car maintenance, seatbelts are often neglected, but like other parts, they need proper use and care, and their performance should be checked regularly. If a seatbelt has experienced a severe stretch load, even if undamaged, it should be replaced and not reused. After a collision, whether or not the airbags deployed, have a service station inspect all safety systems; if your vehicle has had an airbag deploy in a crash, the seatbelt must be replaced promptly. Otherwise, if the seatbelt ages and malfunctions, the consequences could be serious.
1. Daily Seatbelt Check
Regularly check the seatbelt's condition, and replace it promptly if damaged. All bolts securing the seatbelts to the floor beside the seats should be tightened as required, and sealant should be applied around the bolts.
2. Seatbelt Care
Avoid pressing the seatbelt against hard or sharp objects such as glasses, pens, and keys in your clothes; also avoid rubbing it against sharp edges to prevent damage. Do not recline the seatback too far, as this may prevent the seatbelt from extending and retracting properly. When the seat is unoccupied, ensure the seatbelt is fully retracted, with the buckle tongue in its storage position, so it doesn't hit anything during sudden braking.
3. Seatbelt Effectiveness Check
The seatbelt must be installed with its corresponding seat and should not be removed arbitrarily. If a seatbelt has been subjected to a strong pulling force, even if not visibly damaged, the assembly should be replaced and not used further.
4. Seatbelt Cleaning
If the seatbelt is very dirty, clean it with a soft soapy water solution using a cloth or sponge. Avoid using dyes or bleach, as they can corrode the seatbelt, and do not scrub with a hard brush, which can reduce its tensile strength.
Not wearing a seatbelt is the third leading cause of road traffic deaths, just after speeding and drunk driving. Although a seatbelt is just a simple strap you can buckle up, it can save your life in crucial moments. Never underestimate the importance of wearing one. As long as the vehicle is moving, you should have your seatbelt on; doing this ensures a worry-free drive.
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