SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 69Q: If my vehicle has airbags, whyshould I have to wear seat belts?A: Airbags are supplemental systemsonly. They work with seat belts —not instead of them. Whether ornot an airbag is provided, alloccupants still have to buckle upto get the most protection.Also, in nearly all states and in allCanadian provinces, the lawrequires wearing seat belts.How to Wear Seat BeltsProperlyThis section is only for people ofadult size.There are special things to knowabout seat belts and children, andthere are different rules for smallerchildren and infants. If a child will beriding in the vehicle, see Older Children0 86 or Infants and Young Children0 88. Follow those rules for everyone'sprotection.It is very important for all occupantsto buckle up. Statistics show thatunbelted people are hurt more oftenin crashes than those who are wearingseat belts.There are important things to knowabout wearing a seat belt properly.. Sit up straight and always keepyour feet on the floor in frontof you.. Always use the correct buckle foryour seating position.. Wear the lap part of the belt lowand snug on the hips, justtouching the thighs. In a crash,this applies force to the strongpelvic bones and you would beless likely to slide under the lapbelt. If you slid under it, the beltwould apply force on yourabdomen. This could cause seriousor even fatal injuries.. Wear the shoulder belt over theshoulder and across the chest.These parts of the body are bestable to take belt restraining forces.The shoulder belt locks if there isa sudden stop or crash.{ WarningYou can be seriously injured,or even killed, by not wearing yourseat belt properly.. Never allow the lap orshoulder belt to become looseor twisted.. Never wear the shoulder beltunder both arms or behindyour back.. Never route the lap orshoulder belt over an armrest.
