Seatbelts do more than just protect you

People tend to think that seat belts only protect the wearer, but that's an erroneous assumption. Any unbelted occupant can become a deadly projectile in even a low speed collision. Or even during a sudden stop or directional change as when swerving to avoid hitting an object in the roadway. Imagine having 150 pounds slam into you at 35mph, or faster.

And not only is that unbelted occupant a danger to other passengers but the driver as well. Imagine what would happen if they were to be incapacitated. That vehicle would go out of control endangering everyone else on the road in addition to those in the car. And even if the driver is the only occupant their seat belt still acts to protect others.

Numerous tests and studies by the NHSA and car manufacturers have shown that belted drivers are better able to maintain and/or regain control during those sudden stops and directional changes because they are held in their seat by the belt. Unbelted drivers on the other hand can be thrown about which leads to the vehicle losing control, again endangering everyone else on the road.

So seat belts are not just about your own safety, but everyone else around you.