Fastened Seat Belt May Save Your Life
SE Lithuanian Road Administration (later – the Road Administration) reminds that a safety belt is one of the easiest and simplest methods to avoid injuries in case of a traffic accident. They are simple to use, moreover, available in every car.
During its educational activities, this year the Road Administration paid a lot of attention to the importance of fastening seat belts. From the beginning of July until the end of October special safety belt simulation devices could be tested during various events and family festivals held in Lithuanian cities and towns and in-service training centres. Safety belt demonstration devices were tested by 3,700 people taking all necessary safety precautions related to COVID-19 recommendations given by the Government.
Traffic safety experts emphasize that when the driver suddenly hits the brakes or an immovable obstacle, the riders continue moving forward with the most of their original speed and unbelted passengers rush forward at 45-150 times stronger force. Moreover, depending on the speed, the so-called impact weight may reach several tonnes.
Even when moving at the permitted speed regulated by Road Traffic Rules, when crashes occur, a safety belt is the only line of defense against traumas when a person is ejected from a vehicle. The investigation has shown that in EU countries more than 7,300 lives could be saved if drivers and all passengers fastened their seat belts.
According to EU law, drivers as well as front- and rear-seated passengers must fasten their seat belts. In case of a road accident, rear-seated passengers may save their own and front-seated passengers‘ lives. Since 2006 fastening seat belts is mandatory in EU member countries in all types of vehicles.
We hereby remind that:
- a safety belt shall be waist and shoulder fastened;
- children shorter than 135 cm shall be fastened in special seats adjusted to their height or weight;
- safety belts shall be fastened by bus passengers provided the bus is equipped with seat belts.