1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 20

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers -@ Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt? ... A: You could be -- whether you're wearinga safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle safety belt, a even if you're upside down. And your chanceof so being conscious during and after an accident, you can unbuckle and get out,is much greater if you are belted. @ If my vehicle hasair bags,why should I have to wear safety belts? A: or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time stop. You stop over more distance, to and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense. Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them inthe future. But they are so supplemental systems only; they work with safety belts-- not insteadof them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even you're in a vehicle that hasair if bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That's true not only in frontal collision but especiallyin side and other collisions. 1-11