FATAL FIVE SEAT BELTS & HELMETS

Source: Towards Zero Campaign World wide statistic

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES Seat-Belt Use When worn properly reduces the risk of death among front-seat passengers by 40-65% Can reduce deaths among rear-seat car occupants by 25-75%. Discuss the correct way to use a seat belt. How it should be located when in proper use, and discuss the correct ways to maintain a seat belt including looking for damage etc Correct seat belt usage should see the belt sit over the passengers sternum/chest and hips/pelvis. This is because they are the some strongest bones in the human body and can handle a heavier impact/force if the passenger is thrown into the seatbelt.

CHILD RESTRAINTS Child Restraint Use The use of child restraints (infant seats, child seats and booster seats) can reduce deaths of children by between 54% and 80% in the event of a crash. Child restraint systems protect infants and young children from injury during a crash. Infants and children need child restraint systems that can accommodate their size and weight.

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES Wearing a properly adjusted seat belt reduces the risk of fatal or serious injury by up to 50% Approximately 20% of drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts Unbelted passengers can potentially kill other vehicle occupants on impact Children aged under 16 years should use an Australian Standards approved child restraint suitable for the weight and age

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES Seat belts save lives. Seatbelts DOUBLE your chance of survival and reduce the severity of injuries in a serious crash The four main functions of a seatbelt are to: Deceleration of the occupant. Spread the force of the impact Prevent colliding with internal vehicle parts Prevent ejection from the vehicle There is no denying that seat belts save lives. Since their introduction into NSW in 1971 there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of motor vehicle occupants killed or injured each year.   The four main functions of a seatbelt are to: Cause the occupant to decelerate at the same time the vehicle is crushing (simultaneously maximising the distance over which the occupant comes to a stop) Spread the force of the impact over the stronger parts of the occupants body (pelvis and chest bones) Prevent the occupant colliding with the interior parts of the vehicle Prevent ejection from the vehicle Seatbelts double your chance of survival and reduce the severity of injuries in a serious crash

HELMET USE 3% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet (11% unknown) 8% of those without helmets died, compared to 3% of those with helmets. Unhelmeted riders have 2-3 times the fatality rate of helmeted riders and twice the rate of serious brain injury. The correct fit is crucial (Ouellet & Kasantikul, 2006). Ask the question about why 11% of rider fatalities it is not known if they were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Fit is critical Choose a helmet that fits well. Many of the good motorcycle shops will have staff who will assist with the correct selection of size. It should not move around on the head, nor place pressure on the forehead. Keep it on for 5 or 10 minutes before you buy, to be sure it is comfortable. When the straps are securely fastened, ask someone to try to pull it off your head by grasping it at the base if your neck and pulling up and forward over your eyes. The nose contact is the limit for most helmets, the less movement the better. If it comes off, it is dangerous - chose another style. Check your peripheral vision to make sure you are happy with the width of the eye-port. If you wear glasses, do they cause pressure points? Pillions are often given poorly fitting helmets. If it moves around on the head, it will not provide adequate impact protection in a crash. http://www.roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/74.html

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Riders wearing protective clothing spend less time in hospital, and returned to work on average 20 days earlier, than those who were not protected. The protected riders were also 40% less likely to have suffered a permanent physical defect. Protective clothing is significantly effective in preventing or reducing at least 43% of injuries to the skin and soft tissue and 63% of deep and extensive injuries (Schuller, 1986). http://www.roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/85.html