Safety in vehicles is very important. Many people wear their seat belts to avoid injury in vehicle accidents. Usually the first reaction when getting into a vehicle is to strap your seatbelt. The safety belt was designed to save lives, and prevent injury in passenger cars. However, in some cases the seatbelt has caused more harm than safety. Research shows that when the seat belt is worn properly, the risk of fatal injury is reduced. In the 1930’s, when seat belts were first introduced, they consisted of two points, and were worn across the lap. Through the 1950’s, vehicle companies were offering either a two-point piece of fabric that stretched over the shoulder, or the lap belt. Soon, physicians combined the two belts and came up with a three-point belt that stretched across the shoulder and the lap. The three-point belt is found in most cars today and is regarded as the safest belt of the three. Seat belts are credited to saving over 9,500 lives each year. Statistics show that over 68 percent of people who ride passenger, wear their seat belts. 5,000 …show more content…
Some passengers argue the use of seat belts due to a few cuts and bruises from the pressure of the seat belt. When asked why some do not wear seat belts, the response is somewhat reasonable. Many say they do not want to be trapped in the event of an accident. For example: in the event of a fire, the passenger is less likely to get out and may be restrained by their seat belt, or in the case that a car has been submerged, the seat belt may trap them, causing them to submerge with the car because they could not unbuckle in time to get out. Also, in an accident where the car is thrown, the seat belt would lock up, and could cause injury to the passenger when his or her body is being forced forward, but the pressure of the seat belt is pushing them back into their seat. However, the use of seat belts has saved more lives than hurt