11 Aug Seatbelt Safety – Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelt Safety – Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a vehicle crash. When a vehicle stops suddenly, the occupants continue moving at the vehicle’s previous speed until something stops them. A properly worn seatbelt restrains the occupant and helps prevent contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or other occupants.

Guide for Discussion

Why Seatbelts Matter

During a collision, an unrestrained occupant can be thrown forward, sideways, or completely out of the vehicle.

• Always wear your seatbelt, regardless of how short the trip may be.
• Require all passengers to buckle up before the vehicle moves.
• Never assume that low speeds make seatbelts unnecessary.
• Never rely on airbags alone. Airbags are supplemental restraints designed to work with seatbelts.
• Remaining properly restrained inside the passenger compartment greatly reduces the risk of being ejected during a crash.

Wear the Seatbelt Correctly

A seatbelt provides the best protection when it is properly positioned.

• Wear the lap belt low and snug across the hips, not across the stomach.
• Position the shoulder belt across the center of the chest and shoulder.
• Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
• Make sure the belt is not twisted, damaged, or excessively loose.
• Adjust the seat and belt so you can comfortably maintain proper driving posture and vehicle control.

Buckle Up Every Time

Serious crashes do not occur only during high-speed, long-distance, or bad-weather driving. A collision can happen at any time—even during a routine trip close to home or the jobsite.

Other drivers may be distracted, impaired, fatigued, speeding, or simply make a mistake. You cannot control their actions, but you can reduce your risk by wearing your seatbelt.

Company Vehicles and Mobile Equipment

When operating or riding in a company vehicle or equipment equipped with seatbelts:

• Buckle up before the vehicle or equipment begins moving.
• Do not carry passengers unless a designated seat and seatbelt are provided.
• Inspect seatbelts for damaged webbing, defective buckles, or other obvious defects.
• Report damaged or nonfunctional seatbelts and have them corrected.
• Never disable, remove, or defeat a seatbelt or other occupant-restraint system.

Remember

Seatbelts only protect you when you use them. Whether you are traveling across the jobsite or across the state, make buckling up an automatic part of every trip.