FORD 2001 Mustang - Manual (Page 84)

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” Ford designs its 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. Belt
Minder 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.
“I have an air
bag” Air bags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags
are not designed to inflate in rear and
side crashes or rollovers.
“I’d rather be
thrown clear” Not a good idea. People who are
ejected are 40 times more likely to
DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection,
WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.
Seating and safety restraints
84