Mercury 2000 Grand Marquis - Manual (Page 98)

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
bag
Љ
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
98