FORD 2000 Escort - Manual (Page 69)

The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts:
(All statistics based on U.S. data)
Reasons given... Consider...
ЉCrashes are rare
events
Љ
36 700 crashes occur every day. The more we
drive, the more we are exposed to
ЉrareЉ events, even
for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously
injured in a crash during our lifetime.
ЉI’m not going farЉ 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home.
ЉBelts are
uncomfortable
Љ
Ford designs its safety belts 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.
ЉI was in a hurryЉ Prime time for an accident. Belt Minder reminds
us to take a few seconds to buckle up.
ЉSeat belts don’t
work
Љ
Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of
death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars,
and by 60% in light trucks.
ЉTraffic is lightЉ
Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle
crashes, many when no other vehicles are around.
ЉBelts wrinkle my
clothes
Љ
Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more
than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are
unbelted.
ЉThe people I’m
with don’t wear
belts
Љ
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.
ЉI have an air bagЉ Air bags offer greater protection when used with
safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to
inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers.
ЉI’d rather be
thrown clear
Љ
Not a good idea, people who are ejected are 40
times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help
prevent ejection, WE CAN’T
ЉPICK OUR CRASHЉ.
Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt
Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase risk of
injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt
Minder feature please follow the directions stated below.
Seating and safety restraints
69