1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 19

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts-- and the Answers @' If I'm a good driver, I never drivefar from and home, why shouldI 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 behurt. Being a good driver doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as baddrivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 k ) m 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: Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt? You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle safety belt, a even if you're upside down. And yourchance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle andget out, is much greater if you are belted. A: &: A: If my vehicle hasair bags, why shouldI have to 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 sale has required the use for of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have tobuckle up to get the most protection. That's true not only infrontal collisions, but especiallyin sideand other collisions. 1-12