How to Wear a Seat Belt

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A seat belt secures a person in the car seat, which is firmly affixed to the car frame. The frame of a car forms a cage to protect the driver and passengers. The car seat belt keeps people from bouncing around inside the frame in the event of an accident. Seat belts were first used by auto race drivers. Race drivers are still among the biggest proponents of seat belt safety. Because of the protection a car seat belt provides, all US states and many other countries have a seat belt law. In many accident cases, a seat belt is the difference between survival and fatality.

Things You'll Need

• Seat belt pads-- optional

Instructions

1. Sit upright in the car seat with your feet on the floor. Pull the seat belt across your upper body and secure the buckle until it clicks.

2. Adjust the shoulder strap to fall across your shoulder and collar bone. Do not allow the shoulder strap cross your neck.

3. Pull the lap belt into place over your hips and around your waist. The lap belt should not rest over your stomach.

4. Buckle small children into safety seats in the back seat. Check your local seat belt law for specific car seats required for a child's weight.

5. Use seat belt pads for extra comfort on long rides, during pregnancy or after abdominal surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the seat belt on at all times while inside the car. Parked cars get hit, too.