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Basic Vehicle Safety Systems
SEAT BELTS
If worn properly, seat belts will absorb the force of a crash impact and
hold you securely in place, reducing your risk of injury. Seat belts are
designed to work with the wearer sitting upright. They should be
comfortable and allow free movement until they are needed to protect
you. A seat belt too loose or too tight cannot provide full protection.
Lap belts should be snug across your hip bones and the shoulder belt
should be low on your chest and shoulder, away from your face or neck.
If not worn properly, seat belts could cause internal injuries in a
crash
If a physical condition inhibits the proper use of a seat belt, you may
be exempt provided your physician certifies your condition and exemption
in writing. Certification must be on the physician's letterhead and
carried with you when you travel. Regardless of physical problems, a
seat belt normally offers you the best protection.
AIR BAGS
Air bags provide an extra degree of protection against crash injuries.
They are meant to work with seat belts, not replace them. An air bag
protects a front-seat occupant in a head-on crash by inflating upon
impact and cushioning the occupant from colliding with the steering
wheel, dashboard or windshield. The combination of seat belts and air
bags offers maximum protection for motorists because they help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle and help to avoid secondary
collisions.
Air bags rapidly deploy from the steering wheel and/or dashboard. Most
adults who are properly buckled up are safer in a vehicle with air bags,
but the force of an air bag deploying may injure those who sit too close
to it. You should sit with at least 10 inches between the center of your
breastbone and the cover of your vehicle's air bag. Also, place your
hands on the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions to keep
them out of the way in the event of air bag deployment.
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Additional
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Safety systems are
regulated by the Federal Government, but sometimes
manufacturers or intermediaries produce defective products.
Air bags can cause serious injuries when other safety
systems are not used properly. However, in some cases,
the injury is actually caused by a defective air bag.
Litigation is complex and expensive in air bag cases. |
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