FORD 2002 Taurus v.3 - Manual (Page 113)

The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts:
(All statistics based on U.S. data)
Reasons given... Consider...
“Crashes are rare events” 36 700 crashes occur every day. The
more we drive, the more we are
exposed to “rare” events, even for good
drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously
injured in a crash during our
lifetime.
“I’m not going far” 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home.
“Belts are uncomfortable” We design our safety belts to enhance
comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try
different positions for the safety belt
upper anchorage and seatback which
should be as upright as possible; this
can improve comfort.
“I was in a hurry” Prime time for an accident.
BeltMinder reminds us to take a few
seconds to buckle up.
“Seat belts don’t work” Safety belts, when used properly,
reduce risk of death to front seat
occupants by 45% in cars, and by
60% in light trucks.
“Traffic is light” Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in
single-vehicle crashes, many when
no other vehicles are around.
“Belts wrinkle my clothes” Possibly, but a serious crash can do
much more than wrinkle your clothes,
particularly if you are unbelted.
“The people I’m with don’t
wear belts” Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO
or MORE people. Children and younger
brothers/sisters imitate behavior they
see.
Seating and Safety Restraints
113