Are You Wearing Your Seat Belt Properly?

Mar 15, 2018

The most important safety feature in every vehicle is the seat belt. Unfortunately, many drivers still do not regularly wear their seat belt, and even when they do, it’s frequently worn incorrectly. Here are a few things to keep in mind for proper seat belt use.

Use Proper Placement

The standard seat belt has two straps, one high and one low. Make sure that the higher strap, called the shoulder strap, sits over and runs across your shoulder. Many drivers find this upper strap annoying, and they move it behind their back or under their arm. This not only negates the proper functioning of a seat belt in the event of an accident, but it also can cause internal harm when it’s in the wrong position.

Don’t forget about the lower strap, called the lap belt. This strap actually keeps you in the seat in the event of a crash. If you slide out of the seat, you could be thrown from the vehicle or into a passenger, causing them harm.

Seat Belt Use for Kids and Expectant Mothers

Be sure to read the instructions for proper installation of car seats with your vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system. Pregnant women must also use seat belts, even if it is uncomfortable, and make sure the lap belt goes under their belly.

Head in to Destination Nissan to check out our line up of new vehicles, and practice proper seat belt use during a test drive.

Image via Flickr by DrivingtheNortheast