Do you ever wonder how safe we are on America’s roadways? In 2007, 41,059 motorists were killed in traffic accidents. The number of deaths of unrestrained vehicle passengers declined about 3.5 percent, reflecting increasing use of safety belts and contributing to an overall reduction in vehicle-related deaths.
The best way to beat these odds is by using a safety belt AND driving a vehicle with air bags. The two together make an effective tag team.
Safety belts used alone have saved lives and prevented injuries and air bags working alone have done the same. But nothing compares to the two working together.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the combination of
an air bag and a lap and shoulder safety belt reduces the risk of a serious head injury by 60 percent compared with a 37 percent reduction when belts are used alone.
Seat belt usage decreased to 82 percent in 2007. Though this is only a 1 percent increase from 2006, it is still important for us to remember to buckle up every time we get in a vehicle.
I suspect some of us don’t wear a seatbelt because we think the chances of getting into a crash are slim. Since no one ever knows when they’ll get in a crash, it’s best to always be prepared.
Safety belts and air bags keep us from plunging through the windshield, flying out the door, hurtling through the air, scraping along the ground and being crushed by our own vehicles.
Beginning with the 1998 model year, all newly-built passenger vehicles are required to have driver and passenger side air bags, along with manual lap/shoulder safety belts.
The vehicle industry recognizes air bags are important, and is designing better ones every year.
You’ve probably heard reports about air bags that have caused serious injuries and death. There is little cause for alarm as long as we take these simple steps:
1. Sit back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel and dashboard.
2. Position the steering wheel in your car toward your chest rather than your head.
3. Position hands on the sides of the steering wheel so if an airbag deploys, your hands won’t be thrust back into your face.
4. Buckle children age 12 and under into the back seat regardless of whether there is a passenger side air bag in front.
Air bags and safety belts, in conjunction with safe driving, are the best defense against injury or death from a traffic crash. Let’s put them to work for us.
{ 0 comments… add one now }