2014 Cadillac CTS Owner Manual - Page 75

Seats and Restraints Why Safety Belts Work safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense. 3-13 Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. 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. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. There are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3-33 or Infants and Young Children on page 3-35. Follow those rules for everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts! When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the