Category: seat belts

Oh no! That shoulder belt might wrinkle my shirt!

May 04, 2012   Staff   No comments
Oh No! That Seatbelt Might Wrinkle My Shirt

Improper use or lack of use of a vehicle’s passenger restraint systems can increase your chances of sustaining fatal injuries by 60 percent. Seat belts were designed to spread out the force of the crash over the strongest parts of the body to significantly reduce injuries and to keep you within the vehicle.

The driver and all passengers should use the occupant restraint systems installed by the factory and not exceed the recommended number of passengers for that vehicle. Children should be restrained using a car seat or booster appropriate for their age and size that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An unrestrained passenger can move throughout the cabin of the car and either injure other passengers or be ejected.

One of the most common misuses of wearing a seat belt is by placing the shoulder belt or shoulder harness under the arm rather than on the shoulder mainly because the belt is not comfortable on the shoulder, it rubs the neck, or it might wrinkle a shirt. Not only is wearing a seat belt like this in most areas a violation, underarm use of the shoulder belt can cause significant internal or fatal injuries in what could have been a survivable car accident and also cause your upper body to move violently forward in a collision thus defeating the purpose of the shoulder belt. There have also been cases of amputations by wearing a seat belt this way. The shoulder belt should fit crossing the center of your chest and on the shoulder. If the shoulder belt is uncomfortable or does not fit properly, most vehicles allow you to adjust to fit, you can get a device to adjust the belt from the vehicle’s manufacturer, or you can place a comfort sleeve on the belt. You should only get these types of devices from the vehicle’s manufacturer as aftermarket accessories may not have been properly tested.

Being injured in a car accident is a traumatic and stressful event. To make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to such as medical expenses and lost wages, consult with a reputable and experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case.

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5 Things You Need to Know About Seat Belts

February 15, 2012   Staff   No comments
Seat Belts Save Lives

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration aims to provide all necessary information to protect individuals while on the road. Although it is common knowledge (not to mention the law) that you need to wear your seat belt people still die every year because they failed to adhere to this.

When you are involved in a car accident, a seat belt can be your best protection from serious injury or death. According to the NHTSA, seat belts are responsible for saving the lives of more than 13,000 people each year. That is why they compiled a list of 5 things you should know about seat belts and how they can best protect you.

1. Best Protection

As stated earlier an estimated 13,000 lives are saved because of seat belts each year. The NHTSA reported that 75,000 people were saved from 2004 to 2008. A seat belt will keep you safely inside your car if you are involved in a crash, without a seatbelt you can be ejected from your vehicle, which is often deadly.

2. Air Bags Work With Seat Belts, Not Alone

Photo credit: Star Tech.

Air bags alone will not protect you in an accident. They are designed to work in conjunction with the safety provided by wearing a seat belt. If you are not wearing a seat belt the impact of the air bag can result in serious injury.

3. How to Buckle Up

 

The belt should be placed across the middle of your chest, and should not be against your neck. The lap belt should be placed across your hips and below your stomach. It is not safe to place the belt under your arm or behind your back.

4. The Right Fit

When you are purchasing a vehicle you may not be thinking that the fit of the seat belt is an important thing to focus on but it is. Try on the seat belt and ask your car dealer about how that specific belt can be adjusted. You can contact the vehicle manufacturer about obtaining a seat belt extender if needed. Also, if you own a classic or older vehicle with lap belts only you can also contact the manufacturer about replacing it with a modern, safer belt.

5. Protecting Occupants

It is not only yourself you need to be concerned with when operating a vehicle. Any and all passengers in your car should also be using their seat belt correctly. This includes knowing what the proper procedures are with regards to safe guarding your children or any child passenger.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident contact a New Jersey car accident lawyer at Console & Hollawell. We will guide you through the confusing legal process, fighting diligently to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (866) 778-5500 to set up your free, confidential consultation.

Main photo credit: Retractable Seat Belts.

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