1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 18

Here Are Questions Many PeopleAsk About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q.' If I'm a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why shouldI wear safety belts? .. &.' Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt? . ., . A: ~ --:+..: 7 I -. ' , .I...,... .; A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or 'not. you can unbuckle a safety belt, But 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. 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 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: If my vehicle has air bags, should I have to why wear safety belts? 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 with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag , system ever offered for sale has required the use of 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'strue not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-11