Every November 14th, National Seat Belt Day reminds drivers and passengers to take the simplest, most effective step to protect themselves: buckle up. Seat belts have been proven to save lives in collisions of all kinds, yet some people still believe they aren’t necessary for short drives or low-speed trips around town.
The truth is, most collisions happen close to home and at speeds that don’t necessarily seem dangerous. That’s why this National Seat Belt Day, we’re breaking down some of the most common myths about seat belt use and sharing the facts that prove why buckling up should never be optional.
Myth 1: "If I’m only going a short distance or at low speed, I don’t need my seat belt."
Fact: Driving just a few miles or at modest speeds doesn’t eliminate danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many fatal crashes happen within 25 miles of home and at speeds under 40 mph. Even a slow-speed collision can create enough force to cause serious injury if you’re unrestrained. Wearing your seat belt every time, regardless of distance or speed, remains the safest choice.
Myth 2: "Seat belts aren’t necessary at low speed because the impact will be minor."
Fact: The energy in a collision depends not only on speed but also on how quickly your vehicle stops. Your body, if unrestrained, keeps moving and can strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or window with significant force. Even in low-speed collisions, your risk of injury increases without a seat belt. A minor collision can still result in major injury if you’re not buckled.
Myth 3: "My car has airbags, so I don’t need to bother with the seat belt."
Fact: Airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half. Without a seat belt, you can be thrown forward or out of position when an airbag deploys, increasing the risk of injury.
Myth 4: "Wearing a seat belt might trap me in a crash or fire."
Fact: The fear of being trapped is a common misconception. Crashes involving fire or water are extremely rare. The greater danger is being unrestrained, which increases your chance of being knocked unconscious or ejected from the vehicle. In nearly every scenario, wearing a seat belt improves your odds of escaping safely.
Myth 5: "Seat belts are only necessary in the front seat."
Fact: Every occupant, front and back, should buckle up every trip. Unrestrained back-seat passengers can become projectiles during a collision, injuring themselves and others. Buckling up keeps everyone safer.
Putting on your seat belt takes just seconds, but it can change the outcome of a collision. According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, using lap and shoulder belts in the front seat reduces the risk of death by 45 percent and serious injury by 50 percent.
Whether you’re driving across town, picking up groceries, or heading to a friend’s house, make buckling up the first thing you do. Low-speed or short trips still carry real risk. Stay smart, stay safe, and always wear your seat belt.
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