1998 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 24

Here Are QuestionsMany People Ask About Safety Belts-- and the Answers Q: Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt? @' If I'm a good driver,and-1never drive far from 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 driver your passengers can be hurt. Being a good 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 deathsoccur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. A: A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But youcan unbuckle a safety belt, 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. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be 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 salehas required theuse of safety belts. Evenif you're in a vehicle that hasair bags, you still have to buckle up get the most to protection. That's truenot only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-16