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Tips for correct use of vehicle safety devices
Plastics
have contributed to a multitude of innovations in vehicle
safety, including safety belts, air bags and child seats.
While these devices are proven lifesavers - the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) estimates
that seat belts alone have been reported to save 11,000
lives each year since 1998 - proper use is key to maximizing
their safety benefits.
Safety
Belts
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In
many states, it is the law to wear a safety belt.
Many states are also heightening enforcement of safety
belt laws.
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Using
your vehicle's safety belts, which are woven from thousands
of strands of durable polyester plastic, isn't just a good
idea; in many states it's the law. What's more, many states
have been conducting heightened enforcement of their safety
belt laws, giving you additional incentive to use your safety
belts and use them correctly:
- Lap
belts should fit low and tight across your hips/pelvis,
not your stomach area.
- Place
the shoulder belt snug across your chest, away from your
neck.
- The
shoulder belt should not be placed behind your back or
under your arm.
Air
Bags
NHSTA
statistics show that air bags reduce the risk of dying in
a crash by about 30 percent. Since 1998, all new cars have
been required to have air bags on both driver and passenger
sides. In recent years, auto manufacturers have started
to add seat-mounted and door-mounted side air bags to their
vehicles.
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