In a Car? Then Click It.

You might forget to put on your seat belt when you get in a car. Or, maybe you find yourself telling others why you don’t wear a seat belt. If this sounds like you, you should know that seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).1

This shows that buckling your seat belt is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself in a car crash. You have air bags, but they work with seat belts—they do not replace them.

If you car’s seat belt fit is not comfortable, ask your car dealer about seat belt adjusters and extenders to improve comfort. If you drive an antique or classic car that has only lap seat belts, your vehicle manufacturer may have information on how to fit lap and shoulder seat belts in your car.

Every time you put on your seat belt, make sure it’s across your pelvis and rib cage. These two areas of your body are more able to handle car crash forces.

Seat belts for everyone

If you’re pregnant, strap the lower belt across your lower lap or upper thighs. Then, place the shoulder belt between your breasts and up over your shoulder. Do not place the seat belt over your stomach. Learn more about car safety for pregnant women.2

Children should always have seat belts on. The NHTSA has a lot of information on car seat safety for children.

Read more health and wellness tips

  1. “Traffic Safety Facts,” Published by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, May 20101, http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811153.PDF
  2. “The Pregnant Woman’s Guide to Buckling Up,” NHTSA, http://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/bua/brochures/pregnant/index.htm

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