1997 Cadillac Catera Owner's Manual - Page 25

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts-- and the Answers @' Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an a accident if I'm wearingsafety belt? You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But youcan unbuckle a safety belt,. even if you'reupside down. And yourchance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. &: A: If I'm a good driver, and I never drive from far 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 yourfault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being good driver a doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as baddrivers. Most accidents occur within miles (40 km) of home. 25 And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speedsof less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts arefor everyone. A: @ If my vehiclehas air bags, why should have to I 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. Everyair bag system ever offered for salehas required the use of safety belts. Evenif you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get most the protection. That's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side andother collisions. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. are Be aware that there special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies.If a child will be riding in your of Catera, see the part this manual called "Children." Follow those rules for everyone's protection. A: First, you'll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We'll start with the driver position. 1-16