Fig. 35
An unbelted driver is thrown forwards.
Fig. 36
The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
⇒
Introduction
Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is
not true.
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that it is not possible to
brace oneself with arms and hands. In a frontal collision, vehicle occupants who have not fastened
their seat belts will be thrown forward and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle
interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dash panel, or windscreen
⇒
Fig. 35
.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide
additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is
equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat
belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
Each airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must
always be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the
airbag is not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the
vehicle and sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.
It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise
be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts
endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle
⇒
Fig. 36
.
Seat belt protection
Fig. 37
Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle
⇒
Fig. 37
.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every
