
When a vehicle collision occurs, the incorrect statements about the function of seat belts are protecting the neck from injury, reducing driver fatigue, and maintaining proper driving posture. This is because during a collision, the sole function of seat belts is to reduce the severity of injuries to occupants. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Purpose: Automotive seat belts are safety devices designed to restrain occupants during collisions, prevent secondary collisions between occupants and components like the steering wheel or dashboard, or avoid fatalities and injuries caused by being ejected from the vehicle. 2. Significance: Automotive seat belts are recognized as the most cost-effective and efficient safety device, with many countries mandating their installation in vehicles.

A common misconception about seat belts is 'You don't need to wear them when driving slowly in the city,' which is completely unreasonable. With 20 years of driving experience, I often hear beginners or friends say this. Even at low speeds in urban areas, the impact force during a collision is tremendous, akin to falling from a height. Once, while waiting at an intersection, I was rear-ended just as I started moving when the light turned green—fortunately, wearing a seat belt prevented any injuries. Statistics show that accident rates are higher in cities, and seat belts can reduce severe injuries by 50%. Developing the habit is simple: buckle up before starting the car, regardless of whether it's a short or long trip. The law clearly states that all passengers must wear seat belts, with fines and penalty points for violations. Ignoring this puts oneself at unnecessary risk—it's not worth the gamble.

Some parents believe that 'children don't need to wear seat belts in the back seat,' which is a dangerously mistaken view. Since my two kids were little, I've taught them that they must use child safety seats or booster seats with seat belts. Adult seat belts aren't suitable for children—they can cause injuries during sudden braking. My neighbor's story is a sobering lesson: during a family trip, their child in the back seat wasn't properly secured, and during an emergency maneuver, the child hit the front seat, turning a minor injury into a serious one. Regulations require children under 12 to use specialized child restraint systems in the back seat to prevent impact injuries and internal organ damage. Seat belts protect everyone, regardless of seating position—don't let ignorance harm your kids. Make it a family habit to check everyone's seat belts as the first step when getting in the car. Safety is the fastest way home.

Driving school instructors have reminded us that 'seat belts are unnecessary at low speeds' is a common misconception. Beginners often find it troublesome to buckle up at 20-30 km/h, but this is completely wrong. Even at low speeds, significant inertia forces can be generated, equivalent to body weight multiplied by speed crashing into objects ahead. I've seen pedestrians ignoring traffic rules in the city, where sudden braking is common, and seat belts secure the body to protect the spine from injury. Studies have shown that the risk of fatal accidents is equally high at low speeds. Wearing a seat belt is a fundamental step in driving; making it a habit regardless of speed and protecting oneself is what makes a responsible driver.


