1997 Cadillac Catera Owner's Manual - Page 21

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here's why: They work. It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in theseareas are more likely to be to seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people ride inany area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.Be sure everyone inyour vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. You never know if you'll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don't know if it will be a badone. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn't survive. But most crashes are in between. In manyof them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badlyhurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. Inmost crashes buckling up does matter ...a lot! Your Catera has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See "Safety Belt Reminder Light" in the Index.) 1-12