As seen in The Speaking of Women's Health Newsletter
MYTH: Belts are uncomfortable or inconvenient.
FACT: If you think wearing a seat belt is uncomfortable or inconvenient, consider how uncomfortable and inconvenient it will be if you suffer injuries in a crash.
MYTH: Drivers in air bag-equipped vehicles don't need to wear safety belts.
FACT: Air bags provide supplemental protection in frontal crashes, but motorists can slide under them if they are not wearing a seat belt. In addition, air bags will not help in a side or rear impact or rollover crash.
MYTH: I don't want to be trapped in a fire or underwater.
FACT: Crashes involving fire or water happen in only one out of every 200 crashes. However, when they do occur the best chance of survival rests in remaining conscious, uninjured, and in full possession of your faculties.
MYTH: Belts can hurt you in a crash.
FACT: Properly worn safety belts seldom cause injuries.
If they do, the injuries are usually surface bruises and are generally less severe than would have been the case without any belt.
MYTH: I'm not going far and I won't be going fast.
FACT: This is the comment that so many people living in rural areas use when asked why they do not wear a safety belt. It's important to remember that most crash deaths occur within 25 miles of home and at speeds of less than 40 miles per hour.
MYTH: I'm a good driver, it won't happen to me.
FACT: You may be a good driver but you cannot always control the other drivers on the road. The statistics related to motor vehicle crashes and drunk drivers are devastating. Play it safe. Buckle up every time - every trip.
