ROAD SAFETY: Importance of wearing a seatbelt, no excuses

You should be familiar with and understand there are plenty of reasons to wear a seatbelt, writes Ntsako Mthethwa.

I have written about the dangers of texting and driving and the importance of having advanced-driver training. When you’re behind the wheel, your actions will affect you, others in the car and anyone else who happens to be on the road near you.

There’s always one top way to promote safety: always wear your seatbelt when the car is in motion.

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If, maybe, you don’t like wearing a seatbelt or don’t see it as very important, here is a list of reasons to wear a seatbelt that might just change your perception.

Seatbelts save lives

You are more than likely already familiar with the fact that wearing a seatbelt can save your life, which is the most important reason to always have the belt buckled around you. However, there are plenty of other reasons to strap in too.

Seatbelts can aid in the following:

Preventing you from hitting the windshield
Preventing you from being thrown from the vehicle
Preventing you from banging around the vehicle and hitting the steering wheel, door, etc.
Women who are pregnant are more protected when they’re wearing a seatbelt

It’s the law

If you’re caught not wearing a seatbelt, you could find yourself facing expensive fines and consequences.

Airbags

Airbags are much more effective when the driver and passengers are wearing their seatbelts. If you’re not wearing your belt, your body will most likely not remain in the position in which the airbag can protect you.

The best defence

Seat belts offer the best defence against: