Cadillac 2005 CTS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 19 / 436

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q:
Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident
if I am wearing a safety belt?
A:
You
could be — whether you are wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you are upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident,
so you
can unbuckle and get out, is much greater
if you are belted.
Q:
If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A:
Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be
in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work
with
safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has
airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.
Q:
If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A:
You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in an
accident — even one that is not your fault — you
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver does not protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
of home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
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