BUCKLING up with your seat belt your when you get into a car, whether you are in the front or the back seat, is a must do if you care about your safety..
Children under 12 should be in the back seat of the car, away from airbags.
They should be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat according to their size and weight.
Correct seat belt use is the most effective way of protecting yourself and your loved ones in a car accident.
A seat belt prevents people from being flung around inside the car into other passengers, or out of the vehicle.
What happens if I do not buckle up?
In a vehicle collision the car comes to a sudden and instant stop – and so do you or your passengers.
If you’re not wearing a seat belt which restrains you, you keep moving at the speed the vehicle was going until something stops you.
Airbags are there to supplement seat belts and only serve to cushion your body from sudden impact.
The cold, hard facts!
* The impact to yourr body in a crash is called crash force. Crash force is equal to your body weight multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. For example, 60kg body weight multiplied by 60km/h represents a crash force of 3 600kg.
* A child weighing 10kg exerts a crash force of 400kg in a 40km/h collision.
* A baby of 4.5kg involved in a 50km/h vehicle collision will have the same impact as an object with a mass of 225kg.
* A child’s head is big in proportion to it’s body, and is likely to be flung forward head first.
* A child buckled in on an adult’s lap will be crushed by the adult’s weight in a collision.
Be safety savvy
* Avoid the rush – speeding reduces your reaction time, making difficult to stop in an emergency. So slow down and keep a safe following distance.
* Eyes on the prize – for every second your eyes and mind are off the road, you lose a second reaction time. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
* None for the road – decision-making, vision, co-ordination and reflexes are impaired when you drink. Do not drink if you are driving. Appoint a designated driver or call a taxi.
* Lights, oil, traction – always check that your headlights and indicators are working. Check your fluid levels and inspect the condition and inflation of your tyres.
* Tread carefully – it’s been said that jaywalking is just a shortcut to the hospital. Make use of demarcated pedestrian and zebra crossings.
* Fight fatigue – between 20-30% of vehicle collisions are caused by driver fatigue and sleepiness behind the wheel. Get enough sleep (6-8 hours) before any long journey.
* Cage the rage – road rage and aggressive outbursts do not serve a purpose. Calm yourself down and take control of your emotions.
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