Why should both the driver and passenger wear seatbelts?

Why should both the driver and passenger wear seatbelts?

• A. Crash forces distributed better when both are worn
• B. Seatbelts are optional equipment
• C. Seatbelts increase crash risk
• D. Only airbags are effective

Answer: (A)

Wearing seatbelts distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and keeps both occupants in the proper position. In a sudden stop, unrestrained bodies tend to keep moving, which can cause them to crash into the interior, be ejected, or strike each other. A belt slows and directs that motion across the chest and pelvis, reducing the peak loads on any one area and lowering the risk of serious injuries. When both driver and passenger are buckled, it also minimizes their movement relative to each other, which further reduces injury exposure. Belts also help airbags do their job by keeping occupants in place so the airbags can cushion you instead of being blocked or misaligned by unrestrained movement. So, the best practice is that both people wear seatbelts every trip.

Wearing seatbelts distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and keeps both occupants in the proper position. In a sudden stop, unrestrained bodies tend to keep moving, which can cause them to crash into the interior, be ejected, or strike each other. A belt slows and directs that motion across the chest and pelvis, reducing the peak loads on any one area and lowering the risk of serious injuries. When both driver and passenger are buckled, it also minimizes their movement relative to each other, which further reduces injury exposure. Belts also help airbags do their job by keeping occupants in place so the airbags can cushion you instead of being blocked or misaligned by unrestrained movement. So, the best practice is that both people wear seatbelts every trip.