Safety is everyone’s job
Safety is a big part of our daily lives. We take the time to keep our kids safe in their daily activities, but sometimes forget when we’re driving to ensure everyone’s safety; including our own. I’m referring to the wearing of seatbelts. Most of use grew up wearing seatbelts, but for some reason, people feel they don’t need to wear them. I’m hoping we can change their way of thinking.
Seatbelts act as a brake for the driver and passenger. If the vehicle stops suddenly, the items within the vehicle continue moving in that forward direction. A seatbelt keeps the occupant secured in the seat. Inertia is involved here and although some people are entitled to their opinion, science has its own opinion. It’s tough to fight science; although people have tried for years, but science usually wins.
A properly worn seatbelt does and will save lives. Without a seatbelt, your forward motion will be stopped by the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield. Thinking you can hold yourself up with your arms isn’t reality. Even with a moderate speed of 30 or 40 kms/hour in a residential area a sudden stop can thrust you through the windshield.
I watch drivers with their kids in seatbelts, but the driver remains unbelted. Why would they do this to their family? How would their family feel if the driver was severely injured or killed because they didn’t have their seatbelt on? The short trip to the store doesn’t matter. A sudden swerve or stop moves the occupants around the seating compartment and causes injury. When we have this kind of information, let’s use it.
I’ve seen kids in the backseat without seatbelts on. What was the driver thinking? Were they thinking? Kids don’t have the adult logic that is needed to be safe, especially in a vehicle. Take the time to ensure the kids, and all passengers are buckled up properly.
I sometimes hear people say how uncomfortable a seatbelt is. Think of the alternative; going trough the windshield! Make adjustments with the seatbelt position and I’m sure we can all live with it.