To many drivers, safe driving means going at a steady speed and maintaining one lane while driving. While this is true, it is important to emphasize that safe driving goes beyond that.
Seatbelts are often disregarded and overlooked by vehicle owners and users.
However, seatbelts have proven to be a crucial part of safe driving, saving several lives in accidents.
According to Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria, the use of seatbelts is mandatory, and failure to use them attracts a penalty of N2,000.
It could be more depending on the severity of the situation.
Wearing seatbelts is a habit that more Nigerian car owners are struggling to develop to avoid running into trouble with road law enforcement, not because of the benefits.
Prevention of fatal injuries or death
Some people have survived lethal accidents where their cars have been wrecked. They escaped with minor injuries because they were wearing their seat belt. They could have sustained life-changing injuries or died if they were not wearing their seatbelt.
Minimizes the effect of impacts
In a car accident where a lot of force hits the vehicle, the seat belt keeps a driver in their seat instead of letting them collide with the windshield and other parts of the car.
The G-forces created during forceful impacts in accidents strain the body, resulting in lethal injuries when seat belts are not used.
Seatbelt work with Airbags
Automobile manufacturers created airbags to help cushion hard hits to the chest and head of the passengers in a car if an accident occurs.
Airbags function along with the seatbelt so if a passenger is not wearing it, the airbag will not work.
Aids access to auto insurance
All vehicle owners must have car/auto insurance for their cars. When accidents happen, the insurance provider is informed. After all necessary protocols are done, they foot the bills for the damages to the vehicle.
The protocol investigation could reveal that the driver worsened the outcome of the accident by not using their seatbelt. If that happens, the insurance provider will not take care of the damages following their policy.
Share this with other drivers to further encourage them on the benefits of using their seatbelts. Remember to report accidents on Whistle!
