1998 Pontiac Firebird 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? @ If I'm a good driver, andnever 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 passengerscan be hurt. Being a good driver doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. A: A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you unbuckle a safety belt, can even if you're upside down. And your chance of so being conscious during and after an accident, you can unbuckle andget out, is much greater if you are belted. wear safety belts? &.' If my vehicle has air bags, should I haveto why A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and willbe in most of themin 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's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. m Most accidents occur within25 miles (40 k ) of home. And the greatest number serious of injuries and deaths occur speeds of less than at 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. 1-13