How To Use Seat Belts, Air Bags And Child Restraints
According to surveys, thousands of Canadians get injured or die every year in motor vehicle collisions due to lack of proper knowledge as how to use or install safety equipment in their vehicles. Installing safety equipment can double your chances of surviving a serious crash on the road. Here are some tips from Transport Canada for your safety, as well as your family on the road:
Seat Belts
- While you buckle seat belts, make sure that the latch clicks firmly into place.
- Adjust the lap belt across your hips. Also make sure the shoulder belt fits your chest and shoulder properly.
- Do not wear your shoulder belt under your arm. If you do this, your upper body is likely to pivot forward, and your head will strike any part of the vehicle interior in a collision. Moreover, the belt will press into your abdomen, which may probably cause serious injuries to your internal organs.
- In case of pregnant woman, you should take utmost care in adjusting seat belt. Let her sit upright, and adjust her lap belt under abdomen.
Air Bags
- The main function of air bags is to cushion your head after an impact. But, they may expand with explosive speed and open faster. Always remember, a deploying air bag can cause major injuries if you are not properly positioned or restrained.
- The proper use of safety belts is required for the air bags to function properly. Thus, to reduce the chances of injury, always adjust seat belt and adjust the vehicle’s front back to give the air bags room to inflate.
- Always keep distance between you and your vehicle’s side air bags or curtains in the rear, so that objects are not pushed towards you when the air bag inflates.
Child Restraints
- Always place children in the rear seat with child restraints.
- Maintain a distance between kids and side air bags. It may cause serious injury, if they lean against a side air bag when it inflates.
- Do not allow toys, blankets or such objects to get between children and an air bag.
