Mazda 2003 B2300, Owner'S Manual

Page: 78 / 248

The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts:
(All statistics based on U.S. data)
Reasons given... Consider...
9
Crashes are rare events
9
36,700 crashes occur every day.
The more we drive, the more we are
exposed to
9
rare
9
events, even for
good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be
seriously injured in a crash during
our lifetime.
9
I’m not going far
9
3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home.
9
Belts are uncomfortable
9
Safety belts are designed to enhance
comfort. If you are uncomfortable -
try different positions for the safety
belt upper anchorage and seatback
which should be as upright as
possible; this can improve comfort.
9
I was in a hurry
9
Prime time for an accident. Safety
Belt Warning Chime reminds us to
take a few seconds to buckle up.
9
Seat belts don’t work
9
Safety belts, when used properly,
reduce risk of death to front seat
occupants by 45% in cars, and by
60% in light trucks.
9
Traffic is light
9
Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in
single-vehicle crashes,
many when
no other vehicles are around.
9
Belts wrinkle my clothes
9
Possibly, but a serious crash can do
much more than wrinkle your clothes,
particularly if you are unbelted.
9
The people I’m with don’t
wear belts
9
Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with
TWO or MORE people. Children and
younger brothers/sisters imitate
behavior they see.
Seating and Safety Restraints
78