Buckle Up for Safety

Automobiles make our lives easier. But traveling by car also has risks. That’s why seat belts are important.

Every year, seat belts save more than 11,000 lives in the United States. Seat belts hold you in place. They keep you from being hurt or thrown from the car if you crash. Many accidents happen close to home, so wear a seat belt every time you ride in a car, even if you are not going far.

Keep in mind that air bags do not replace seat belts. You should still wear a seatbelt even if your car has air bags. Seat belts can help prevent you from being injured by an inflated air bag during a crash.

It’s important to wear your seat belt properly. Wear your seat belt so that it fits snugly across your lap and chest. Never put the shoulder strap under your arm. In a crash, this can cause injuries. If the shoulder strap and belt are separate, use both.

Make sure children age 12 and younger always ride in the backseat. Children should use a booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. If the shoulder strap crosses a child’s neck, continue to use a booster seat. Drive only as many occupants as there are seat belts in the car.