FORD 2002 F-550 v.2 - Manual (Page 106)

The purpose of the BeltMinder is to remind occasional wearers to wear
safety belts all of the time.
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” 36 700 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.
“Seat 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
106