How to Adjust Your Seat Belt

Do you not wear your seat belt because it's uncomfortable? Tsk tsk. Mandatory seat belt laws are in place in all but one state (New Hampshire). Maybe the statistics and laws don't scare you, but your excuse isn't valid - you just don't have your belt properly adjusted.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Move the seat back as far as possible. The further you are from the steering wheel and dashboard, the less likely you are to hit them in a collision.

2. Untwist the belt before putting it on. Part of the idea is to control the force of the impact with the belt. If it's twisted, you have reduced the area that can absorb the force.

3. Wear both lap and shoulder belts.

4. Fit the lap belt low across your hips, not your belly. Keep it tight. Your hipbones are large and strong and are more likely to be able to take the strain of a collision than your midsection.

5. Keep the shoulder strap snug across your chest. It should cross your collarbone. Never tuck it behind your shoulder; you might as well not wear it if you're going to do that. Also, you can severely injure your neck, ribs, spleen and liver if you're in an accident.

6. Make sure the belts are tight. Loose belts are ineffective and will allow your body to slide forward for impact.

Tips & Warnings

• Large-girthed people may find that a seat belt extender is necessary to make their seat belt fit properly.
• Pregnant women should wear their seatbelts across the top of the thighs. Remember that although it may be very uncomfortable to wear it there are two lives at stake.
• Some cars have an automatic shoulder belt that slides into place once the car is powered up. Fine - now don't forget your lap belt.

[davidhoffman]

on 10/20/2007 More advises for expectant mother regarding seat belt: http://www.childseatcenter.com/article12.html

on 11/22/2005 Always use your seat belt, of course. But before driving anywhere, remove blunt or sharp unsecured objects from the car. They can take flight and ricochet about in the event of a collision and give you the beating of your life, even if you're belted in!