Seat belts - facts and myths

The death rate in road traffic accidents in Poland is exceptionally high compared to other European countries. For every 100 people involved in an accident, 11 people die.

Despite this, drivers still do not realize the importance of wearing seat belts. There are many stereotypes about their use. Some of them:

1. С If you are wearing a seat belt, it may be impossible to get out of a burning car.

Fact Only 0,5% of traffic accidents are associated with a car fire.

2. С In an accident, it is better to fall out of the car than to be squeezed in it.

Fact If your body is ejected through the windshield, the risk of serious injury in a crash is 25 times higher. On the other hand, the risk of death is 6 times higher.

3. С City and short distance driving is slow. Therefore, in the event of an accident, nothing will happen to them. In this situation, fastening seat belts is unnecessary.

Fact In the event of a collision at a speed of 50 km/h. a body is thrown from its seat with a force of 1 ton. Impact on hard parts of the car can be fatal, including for the front passenger.

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4. С On the other hand, owners of vehicles equipped with airbags are convinced that this protection is sufficient.

Fact An airbag only reduces the risk of death by 50% if it works in conjunction with seat belts in a crash.

5. С Passengers in the rear seats of the car rarely wear seat belts (on average, about 47% of passengers use them). They think it's safer there.

Fact Passengers in the back seat are at the same risk of serious injury as passengers in the front of the vehicle. In addition, they pose a deadly threat to those in front of the vehicle.

6. С Holding a child on your lap will protect him from the consequences of an accident to the same or greater extent as sitting in a child seat.

Fact The parent is not able to hold the child in his arms, which, at the moment of an unexpected blow, is gaining the weight of ... an elephant. Moreover, in the event of an accident, the parent can crush the child with his body, reducing his chances of survival.

7. С Seat belts are dangerous for a pregnant woman.

Fact In an accident, seat belts are the only device that can save the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

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