Black plate (15,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011Questions and Answers About SafetyBeltsQ: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if Iam wearing a safety belt?A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safetybelt or not. But your chance of being consciousduring and after an accident, so you can unbuckleand get out, is much greater if you are belted. Andyou can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you areupside down.Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have towear safety belts?A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so theywork with safety belts — not instead of them.Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupantsstill have to buckle up to get the most protection.That is true not only in frontal collisions, butespecially in side and other collisions.Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far fromhome, why should I wear safety belts?A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in acrash — even one that is not your fault — you andyour passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driverdoes not protect you from things beyond yourcontrol, such as bad drivers.Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) ofhome. And the greatest number of serious injuriesand deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph(65 km/h).Safety belts are for everyone.How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyThis section is only for people of adult size.Be aware that there are special things to know aboutsafety belts and children. And there are different rulesfor smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding inthe vehicle, see Older Children on page 2‑31 or Infantsand Young Children on page 2‑34. Follow those rulesfor everyone's protection.It is very important for all occupants to buckle up.Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more oftenin crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.2-15