1996 Cadillac Eldorado Owner's Manual - Page 27

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt? Q: If I'm a good driver, and never drive far from I home, why should I wear safety belts? You may be an excellent driver, but if you're in an accident -- even one that isn't your fault-- you and your passengers can be hurt. Beinga good driver doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. A: A: You codcl be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you're upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after anaccident, so you CUIZ unbuckle and get out, is t m 4 c - h greater if you are belted. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts'? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work M-ith safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the useof safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That's true not only in frontalcollisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-12