Car Seat Belts: Why Are They Important?

Seat belts are one of the most common and important security equipment used in cars. They play a crucial role in saving the lives of people during accidents. Unfortunately, people have forgotten the value of using these belts and how essential they are for every individual. Despite the safety that seat belts provide, many drivers and passengers do not use them on a regular basis. It is therefore important to acquire knowledge about the function and importance of seat belts as well as their operation. 

In this blog post, you will get to know about the importance of seat belts, how they are helpful for your safety, and what are the legal provisions in India regarding seat belts, along with some tips to use the seat belts correctly.

Role of Seat Belt in Your Safety

Seat belts are meant to safeguard people inside the car during an accident. If a collision happens then during such an occurrence, a seat belt helps to prevent the passengers from moving forward or outside the vehicle. Majorly, car seat belts reduce the chances of deaths or severe injuries. While anchoring you firmly in a car, seat belts help you prevent injuries, together with airbags and other safety devices. A seat belt is an important safety measure in vehicles. Moreover, it has been scientifically proven to lower the possibility of getting a severe injury by half.

Why Are Seat Belts Needed in A Car?

• The need to wear a seat belt in a car is not only because you have to follow the laws or avoid penalties. This is because they provide the necessary protection in various types of accidents, such as front, rear, and rollover accidents. 

• They hold captive the driver and other passengers at their seats to ensure that, in an impact, the body of passengers is in a safe posture. 

• If passengers are not wearing seat belts, they become vulnerable in an accident that can cause severe head injuries, broken bones, and even death. 

• Seat belts also prevent people from getting injured in the car in case of a sudden application of brakes.

Legal Requirements and Seat Belt Laws in India

It is obligatory in India to wear seat belts not only by the driver but also by the front passengers in the car. According to Section 94 and Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989, everybody seated in the car, whether in the front seat or the rear seat, should wear seat belts. However, the use of the backseat belts is normally overlooked. 

As there are high rates of road accidents, which are gradually increasing day by day, the Government of India is focussing more on the compulsory use of seat belts. Daily checks and penalties have been conducted in an effort to ensure that people stick to the set laws. For example, not following the above-mentioned rule, a fine of INR 1,000/- can be charged. 

How Do Seat Belts Work and How to Use Them Efficiently?

Car seat belts help by ensuring that people are securely positioned in their seats when an accident occurs so as to absorb the impact of the collision. Such measures protect the body from striking on harder surfaces or prevent it from being thrown out of the car. A seat belt should be put around one’s chest and hips and should be fastened in a correct manner. The most common mistake of using the shoulder strap is placing it underneath the arm or behind the back, which is wrong. It is always advised to know about its operational functionality and replace the seat belt if it has some signs of wearing out.

What Happens If You Do Not Wear a Seat Belt in a Car?

In India, anyone caught driving without wearing a seat belt is subjected to fines and penalties. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act of 2019 also makes it unlawful and imposes a fine of up to INR 1000/-. This rule applies to front-seat and rear-seat passengers as well. Other penalties may include suspension of the driving license in certain serious cases. The penalties are intended to ensure that people adhere to the laws so that the number of fatalities and injuries can be reduced.

Types of Seatbelts and Their Use/ Installation Based on Certain Categories

There are certain ways in which seat belts should be positioned for pregnant women, children, mothers, etc. For Instance, 

• Pregnant women should adjust the seat belt in such a way that the belt is placed below the belly, preferably situated across the hips and pelvic bone and not on the stomach.

• All children below a certain age (toddlers) must be restrained by child safety seats, and these include those with special harness systems.

• For children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, mothers can use booster seats to ensure the children are well secured in the seat. 

As much as possible, strap adjustment guarantees the most coverage for everyone inside the car.

FAQs

Q: Is it possible for airbags to do the work of seat belts?

A: No, airbags are supplemental restraint systems. They are supposed to be secondary devices in the car that assist in enhancing the safety of passengers and are not substitutes for seat belts. 

Q: Do people need to use seat belts even when travelling in the backseat?

A: Yes, it is legally mandatory and without fail plays a vital role in the safety of drivers and those around the road. The safety is in your hands; you must not avoid it at any cost. 

Q: How frequently should one inspect seat belts?

A: Seat belts should be regularly checked for signs of any wear and tear and should be replaced after an accident. 

Q: What type of seat belt should be used for children?

A: For children, you should use the child safety seats and booster seats depending on their age, height, and weight. Make sure that they meet the safety standards.