Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be— whether you are wearing a safety belt or not.

Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts— not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.

Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.

    See also:

    Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
    If the vehicle has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position unless there is an airbag off s ...

    Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
    For vehicles with FCA, this system is intended to help avoid or reduce the harm caused by front-end crashes. FCA provides a flashing visual alert and beeps when approaching a vehicle directly ahea ...

    Driver Information Center (DIC) (With DIC Buttons)
    If your vehicle has DIC buttons, the information below explains the operation of this system. The DIC displays information about your vehicle. It also displays warning messages if a system problem is ...