Contents: Infants and young children ⇓ Older children ⇓ Pregnant women ⇓ Transportation of injured ⇓ The seat belt is for one person only ⇓ Do not assume a lying position ⇓
The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear seat belts at all times. Local laws may require that all or some vehicle occupants wear seat belts.
Following this basic precaution will reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries in a traffic accident. In addition to this rule, consider the following recommendations:
Infants and young children
Some countries require the use of restraints for infants and young children. Regardless of local law, we strongly recommend the use of a child seat or other restraint system for infants and children weighing less than 18 kg.
Note: The best protection for young children is provided by a special child restraint system.
Older children
Children whose height does not allow the use of child restraints must be transported in the rear seat and fastened with the shoulder and lap straps of the standard seat belts. The waist strap should fit snugly around the body as close to the hips as possible. Periodically check the correct position of the belt, which may move away from the child's body if he or she constantly changes positions. In case of boarding an older child (over 13 years old) in the front seat, he must be securely held in place by a fastened seat belt. Never allow your child to stand up or kneel on the seat. The highest level of safety for children in an accident is ensured when they are transported in the back seat with an effective restraint system. NEVER allow a child under 13 years of age to sit in the front passenger seat.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women are advised to use a seat belt, which reduces the risk of injury in an accident. The lap belt should be placed on the hips in the tightest and lowest position, but not on the stomach. Special recommendations can be obtained from your doctor.
Transportation of injured
When transporting an injured person, it is recommended to fasten him or her with a seat belt. If necessary, consult a doctor.
The seat belt is for one person only
Under no circumstances should two passengers attempt to (including children) fasten one seat belt. This will increase the severity of injuries in a traffic accident.
Do not assume a lying position
To reduce the risk of injury in an accident and to ensure maximum effectiveness of restraint systems, all passengers must be seated while the vehicle is moving, with the backs of the front seats in an upright position. Seat belts do not provide effective protection for a passenger lying in the rear seat or on a folded-down front seat.
Warning:
- Sitting in the front seat in a semi-reclining or lying position while driving is dangerous. Seat belts are almost useless in this case, even if you are wearing them.
- The shoulder strap of the seat belt does not provide any restraint because it is not on your body, but in front of you. In a collision, you can hit it with force and get injured in the neck or other parts of the body.
- In a car accident, the lap belt strap can move away from the hips and put strong pressure on the abdominal cavity, which can cause serious damage to internal organs.
- To ensure effective protection while driving, adjust the seat back to an upright position, rest your back against the seat back and fasten the seat belt correctly (see below).