1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 23

Here Are Questions Many People Ask &: About Safety Belts-- and the Answers A: Q: Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident ifI'm wearing a safety belt? 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. Being a good driver doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within25 miles (40 k ) m of home. And the greatest number serious of injuries and deathsoccur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 kmh). Safety belts are for everyone. A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But youcan unbuckle a safety belt, even if you're upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. Q: If my vehicle hasair bags, why should I have to wear safetybelts? Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in thefuture. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every bag air system ever offered for sale has required theuse of safety belts. Evenif you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up get the most to protection. That's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. A: