The DGT dispels all myths about the use of seat belts in the car

The seat belt, which has not been mandatory for a long time – it was in 1992 when the requirement to use it in all rooms and on all seats came into effect (previously only the driver on the road, since 1974) – has become an essential part of the car. Now it’s automatic, so much so that we don’t even think about it: we get in the car, put on our seat belts, check the mirrors and drive off.

However, the lack of information and ignorance about the effectiveness of this important security element is behind
many excuses for not using the seat belt safety, according to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT); that explains some of the most common myths about seat belt effectiveness: wearing them can cause more injuries; on short trips or in the city it is not necessary; Many people manage to save their lives because they were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected… These are completely wrong concepts generally due to a lack of information and the lack of information
unaware of this important safety element.

–
Seat belts in the back are useless: A person sitting in a rear seat could be thrown with such force that the occupants of the front seats could be killed. The reason: vehicles behind drive exactly the same speed as those in front and experience the same deceleration if the car crashes or comes to an abrupt stop.

–
I know people saved by not wearing it: According to a study in the United States, wearing a seat belt can be negative in only one in a million accidents.

–
I don’t need it, I’m not going to have accidents: No one can guarantee that an accident will not happen, either by one’s own cause or by the recklessness of others. This false security is usually exactly a prediction to have an accident.

–
I drive a good car, with many security systems: Currently, there is no restraint system that can replace the seat belt or be more effective than the seat belt. The rest of the mechanisms are complementary.

–
Many people are saved because they were thrown out of the car: Not wearing your seat belt and being thrown from the vehicle greatly increases the chances of very serious injury.

–
The belt is useless: According to the WHO (World Health Organization), there is no more effective system than the belt, as it reduces the risk of death by 50%.

–
In the city it is not necessary: At just 40 km/h, a head-on collision could be fatal as the head would hit the windshield. Furthermore, at 50 km/h a person of 70 kilos comes forward with a weight of more than 3,000 kilos.

–
It is not necessary on short journeys: Statistics tell us that the most accidents happen on these routes.

–
The belt was uncomfortable: Correct fastening of the belt eliminates any discomfort. More uncomfortable is serious injury or death.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.