Facts And Fallacies

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30428, 30 April 1964, Page 15

Facts And Fallacies

FALLACY: “A safety belt might trap me in a crash. Suppose my car had caught fire or fallen into water.”

FACT: Less than one crash in 100 involves either a fire or submersion. In these cases, the driver and passengers are more likely to be conscious, so they can get out of the vehicle by themselves, if they wore safety belts during the crash.

FALLACY: “The buckle might jam and trap me in my car.” FACT: To pass the Standard, a belt must function normally after being severely stressed in an accident This means the buckle will open just as easily after the crash as before it. FALLACY: “I don’t need a belt because I never get out into the country.” . FACT: Most accidents, most injuries and most deaths occur in city and suburbs. Three out of four deaths and injuries are suffered less than 25 miles from home, half the deaths and more serious injuries occur at speeds less than 40 m.p.h. FALLACY: “In an accident the belt might injure me.”. . FACT: The belt is designed to absorb shock. The dash-

board, the windscreen, and the hard road outside are not! In a hard- accident, a belt might bruise the wearer —but the alternative is death or disabling injury. FALLACY: “My car is too old for seat belts—l”ll wait until I get a new one.”. FACT: The car you drive very rarely causes the accident. It is the fault of people. So you need belts, old car or not. FALLACY: “I wouldn’t be seen dead in a belt.” FACT: Do you realise you. will stand five times the chance of being seen dead without one? Join The List Many of those on the list of seat belt wearers are distinguished persons. Every member of the Royal Family is a seat belt user, and so is the President of the United States. In New Zealand many large firms have fitted belts to their vehicles, as have Government departments and many prominent personalities. Correct Fitting Essential Correct fitting of seat belts is just as important as the selection of a suitable belt for your car. The best belts will be of no use if it is wrongly installed in the car. The manufacturer’s fitting instruction must be followed closely or an experienced firm selected to do the job.