2010 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 41

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even conditions. However, in a collision the belt will lock and on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen being thrown out. far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times. Lap/Shoulder Belts All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal WARNING! • Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly. • It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. • Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. (Continued)