FORD 2003 Explorer v.3 - Manual (Page 114)

The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts:
(All statistics based on U.S. data)
Reasons given... Consider...
“Crashes are rare events” 36700 crashes occur every day. The
more we drive, the more we are exposed
to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1
in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a
crash during our lifetime.
“I’m not going far” 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25 miles
of home.
“Belts are uncomfortable” We design our 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.
“I was in a hurry” Prime time for an accident. BeltMinder
reminds us to take a few seconds to
buckle up.
“Safety belts don’t work” Safety belts, when used properly, reduce
risk of death to front seat occupants by
45% in cars, and by 60% in light
trucks.
“Traffic is light” Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in
single-vehicle crashes, many when no
other vehicles are around.
“Belts wrinkle my clothes” Possibly, but a serious crash can do much
more than wrinkle your clothes,
particularly if you are unbelted.
“The people I’m with don’t wear
belts” 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.
“I have an air bag” Air bags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are
not designed to inflate in rear and side
crashes or rollovers.
“I’d rather be thrown clear” Not a good idea. People who are ejected
are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety
belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T
“PICK OUR CRASH”.
Seating and Safety Restraints
114