A car accident can be a tragic occurrence. Fortunately, by wearing their seatbelts, vehicle occupants can greatly decrease the likelihood of severe injury or death in a car accident. During a collision, vehicle occupants who wear seatbelts usually sustain less serious injuries because they are prevented from ejection from the car and are also more protected from bodily injury. In many states, it is illegal to drive or ride in a vehicle without properly fastening the seatbelt in order to reduce injuries and fatalities. However, the effectiveness of seatbelts depends on more than just wearing the seatbelt at all. The type of belt, as well as the way the belt is worn, both greatly affect the risk of serious injury.

Seatbelts Types

Seatbelts are available in two main styles:

Lap/Shoulder combination belt. This type of belt crosses the upper thighs and hips of the wearer as well as crosses the upper torso. The lap belt keeps the person secured inside of the vehicle during the crash, while the shoulder belt provides extra protection for the head, spinal cord, and torso. In the event of a crash, the lap/shoulder belt is highly effective against serious injury.
Lap belt: A lap belt crosses the upper thighs and hips of the wearer, and is anchored at two points to keep the passenger from being thrown from the vehicle during a crash. Lap belts do not provide the added protection for the upper body and head that is provided by a shoulder belt. These belts are commonly found in the center backseat of older vehicle models, although many new models are manufactured with a shoulder strap in place on this seat.

How to Wear A Seatbelt Correctly

A seatbelt will not provide full protection and may even cause injury if not worn properly.

A lap/shoulder belt should always be worn with the shoulder strap crossing the torso from the shoulder to the hips. The shoulder strap should never be placed behind the back or under the arm. This can cause internal injuries during an accident and also eliminates any protection to the head and upper body.
Lap belts should fit snugly across the upper thighs. If the belt sits higher, a collision can make the belt cause serious organ damage and other internal injuries. On the other hand, if the belt is too loose and is worn lower, a victim may become trapped beneath the seatbelt.
All children should be restrained in child seats or booster seats appropriate for their age and weight until they are able to wear the seatbelt comfortably.