How to Properly Use a Seat Belt While Driving?
2 Answers
After adjusting to the correct driving posture, place the entire seat belt across your shoulder and the front of your waist. Insert the seat belt into the buckle until it clicks. The buckle should be positioned at the side of your hip bone. After fastening the seat belt, check if it is properly positioned, not twisted, and only located outside the hip bones. The waist belt should not be fastened across the abdomen. A three-point seat belt should be adjusted to leave a one-finger width gap between it and your chest. A two-point seat belt should be adjusted to allow four fingers to fit between it and your hip bone.
After driving for so many years, I believe seat belts are life-saving straps. After getting in the car, first sit up straight, don't lean too far back or forward. Pull out the seat belt and let it cross the center of your shoulder, close to below the collarbone, not slipping into the armpit, as that could easily break the collarbone. The lap belt should fit snugly over the hip bones and abdomen, not loose, otherwise it may come off during sudden braking. After fastening, it should be tight enough to fit just one finger's width; don't let it twist or fold. I've seen people take shortcuts by just draping it over and driving, only to be thrown out in an accident. The key function of a seat belt is to absorb impact forces and distribute them to stronger parts of the body. Remember to check before every trip to ensure nothing is blocking the buckle. When driving with family, emphasize this even more—it just takes forming the habit.
