Those who are starting to drive often hear conflicting advice about seat belts and airbags. Some help; others get in the way.
In real traffic, prevention comes from simple, repeatable habits. Below is a straightforward checklist to use seat belts and airbags the right way, without myths.
Essential item 1: properly adjusted seat belt before setting off
The seat belt works when it is correctly positioned — and this applies to all occupants.
- Diagonal strap crossing the middle of the shoulder, never the neck or the arm. - Lap belt low, resting on the hip bones, not over the abdomen. - No twists or excessive slack.
Adjusting the seat before fastening the belt helps maintain correct posture throughout the trip, including on short drives.
Essential item 2: seat position and distance from the steering wheel
Airbags are designed to work together with the seat belt. The driver’s position makes a difference.
- Keep a minimum distance of about 25 cm from the steering wheel. - Backrest slightly reclined, with your back fully supported. - Steering wheel aimed at the chest, not the face.
This setup reduces the risk of injuries when the airbag deploys and improves vehicle control in everyday driving.
Essential item 3: everyone buckled up, including in the back seat
In the back seat, the seat belt also saves lives. In a collision, someone without a seat belt can be thrown forward, injuring themselves and others.
Creating the habit of checking that everyone is buckled up before driving off avoids arguments later and raises overall safety.
Common myth: “the airbag replaces the seat belt”
It does not. The airbag is a supplement.
Without the seat belt, the body moves forward too quickly and meets the airbag at the wrong moment, which increases the risk of serious injuries. With the seat belt, movement is controlled and the airbag fulfills its protective role.
Common myth: “short trips don’t need a seat belt”
Most accidents happen close to home, at low speeds and on familiar routes. The seat belt does not choose distance or neighborhood.
Putting on the seat belt every time you get into the car turns safety into an automatic habit, without relying on memory or the mood of the day.
Special attention: children, pregnant women, and accessories
What to watch for in daily use
- Children must use the appropriate device for their age and size, never just the adult seat belt. - Pregnant women should use the seat belt normally, with the lower strap below the belly. - Avoid thick covers or non-original adapters that alter the functioning of the seat belt or the airbag.
In the end, seat belts and airbags work best when no one tries to “improvise.” Adjusting, checking, and following the basics is what prevents accidents day to day.
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