Seat belts and helmets are essential safety features that can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a vehicle accident. It's essential to understand why, when, and how to use them properly to ensure maximum safety on the road.
Why use seat belts and helmets?
Seat belts and helmets are designed to protect individuals in the event of an accident. When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop or is involved in a collision, the occupants of the vehicle can be thrown forward, causing them to collide with the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from the vehicle entirely. Wearing a seat belt or helmet can prevent this from happening by securing the occupant to the vehicle or protecting their head from impact.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death in a car accident by up to 50%, while wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 70%. These statistics highlight the importance of wearing these safety features when travelling on the road.
When to use seat belts and helmets?
It's essential to use seat belts and helmets every time you get into a vehicle or engage in an activity that requires a helmet. This includes riding in cars, trucks, buses, and other motorized vehicles, as well as riding bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters.
In many countries, wearing a seat belt is mandatory, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties. Similarly, many countries require the use of helmets when riding motorcycles or bicycles. Even if it's not a legal requirement in your area, it's still critical to wear these safety features to protect yourself from injury.
How to use seat belts and helmets?
To use a seat belt, ensure that the belt is properly positioned across your lap and chest, with the lap belt sitting low on your hips and the shoulder belt crossing your chest and resting against your collarbone. Make sure the belt is snug, but not too tight, and avoid tucking it under your arm or behind your back. Always wear your seat belt even if you're only travelling a short distance.
When using a helmet, make sure it fits properly and is correctly fastened under your chin. The helmet should sit level on your head, with the chin strap tight enough to prevent the helmet from moving but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter, and replace it after any impact.
In conclusion, wearing seat belts and helmets is crucial for ensuring your safety while travelling on the road. By understanding why, when, and how to use these safety features correctly, you can help prevent serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
The UN Global Road Safety Week: Streets for life #RethinkMobility. 15 – 21 May 2023 ; 6th UN Global Road Safety Week: Streets for Life #Love30. 17 – 23 May 2021.