Unit: Safety Restraints Safety belts, child restraints, airbags The primary learning outcomes desirable from this lesson are as follows: 1)Become aware of the various restraint devices (both active and passive), their capabilities and limitations. 2)Understand how to properly use these restraints, and utilize appropriate safeguard measures for maximum effectiveness. 3)Understand the fallacies and excuses people commonly give for non-seatbelt use and the benefits of consistent habitual usage.

In the U.S. alone seatbelts save more than 10,000 lives a year and over 200,000 serious injuries. If you are wearing a shoulder-lap belt during a crash, your risk of being killed is reduced by 50% and risk of serious injury by 70%. A restraining device, consisting of anchored straps that buckle across the hips, to protect a seated passenger from abrupt jolts, as in a collision.

Nearly every state has laws requiring the driver and front seat passengers to wear safety belts. A restraining device, consisting of anchored straps that buckle across the hips, to protect a seated passenger from abrupt jolts, as in a collision. Deaths of unbelted occupants have occurred at speeds as low as 12 miles per hour. There are two types of restraints There are two types of restraints You are four times more likely to die in a car crash if you are not wearing your seat belt.

active restraints and passive restraints A restraining device, consisting of anchored straps that buckle across the hips, to protect a seated passenger from abrupt jolts, as in a collision. Active restraints requires the connection and adjustment. Passive restraints operate without action by occupants. What is the difference between an active restraint and a passive restraint? What is the difference between an active restraint and a passive restraint?

Adjust the seat to a comfortable upright position…be sure the belt is not twisted and the metal fittings snap into place. The lap belt should be worn across the hip bones. (including expectant mothers) It should never be positioned across the stomach or soft part of the abdomen. What could happen if the belt is too loose? What could happen if the belt is too loose? It could slide up over the up over the pelvis and injure pelvis and injure the abdomen in a crash! It could slide up over the up over the pelvis and injure pelvis and injure the abdomen in a crash! What do you know about adjusting the shoulder strap? After closing and locking the door…

The shoulder strap should be snug, but still allows the driver to reach important controls. Adjust the shoulder strap so that it is comfortable and does not cross the body at or near the neck or face. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the sternum. What about wearing the shoulder strap tucked behind the back? What about wearing the shoulder strap tucked behind the back? This is dangerous and can cause severe internal or spinal injuries. This is dangerous and can cause severe internal or spinal injuries.

Also, do not forget to adjust the head-restraint For most people it should be all the way up… Also, do not forget to adjust the head-restraint For most people it should be all the way up… If not adjusted, what type of injury can be suffered? If not adjusted, what type of injury can be suffered? Painful whiplash …this is a serious injury! Painful whiplash …this is a serious injury! The shoulder strap should be snug, but still allows the driver to reach important controls. Adjust the shoulder strap so that it is comfortable and does not cross the body at or near the neck or face. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the sternum.

The newer safety belts feel so comfortable you may not think they work, but they do. Many belt systems are activated only when the vehicle stops suddenly. The belt has a tiny pendulum connected to a locking mechanism. In the event of a sudden stop, the pendulum activates the locking device, which keeps you firmly in your seat.

The first crash is the car hitting the wall. In only 1/10th of a second, the car is stopped....but nothing makes the people stop...they keep going...until something inside the car stops them, like the steering wheel or instrument panel or windshield. Courtesy of: US Dept. of Transportation Cuts, broken bones a crushed chest...the films show it all. Looking closer in slow motion, what looked like one crash, was actually two crashes.

Since safety belts are proven to be very effective… why do some people still not wear them? Since safety belts are proven to be very effective… why do some people still not wear them? Let’s examine common objections people give for not wearing them... not wearing them... Let’s examine common objections people give for not wearing them... not wearing them...

How would you answer this? 3 out of 4 collisions occur less than 25 miles from home. More than 80% of all collisions occur at speeds less than 40 mph. 2/3 of all teens killed in car crashes are unbelted! 3 out of 4 collisions occur less than 25 miles from home. More than 80% of all collisions occur at speeds less than 40 mph. 2/3 of all teens killed in car crashes are unbelted! “We don’t need safety belts, we’re just driving around town.” “We better buckle up!” “Yeah, you’re right.”

How would you answer this? With a safety belt fastened you have a much better chance of staying conscious in a crash – so you’ll have the presence of mind to unfasten it and get out. With a safety belt fastened you have a much better chance of staying conscious in a crash – so you’ll have the presence of mind to unfasten it and get out. “That makes sense to me!” “Me too.” “If I wear a safety belt, after a crash, I might be trapped in a burning or submerged car!”

How would you answer this? Statistics have consistently proven that remaining in the car in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. Statistics have consistently proven that remaining in the car in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. “I heard I might be better off if I’m thrown clear of the car in an accident.”

Statistics have consistently proven that remaining in the car in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. Statistics have consistently proven that remaining in the car in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. in the event of a crash is much safer than being thrown free. But occasionally you’ll hear a story about someone who makes the claim they would have been killed if they wore their seat belt…but instead they were thrown free and survived. But occasionally you’ll hear a story about someone who makes the claim they would have been killed if they wore their seat belt…but instead they were thrown free and survived. “I heard I might be better off if I’m thrown clear of the car in an accident.” How would you answer this?

“Let’s not take any chances.” “Okay.” “I heard I might be better off if I’m thrown clear of the car in an accident.” VIDEO WILL SOON PLAYCourtesy of: US Dept. of Transportation Some people believe its better to be thrown clear from a car crash. But at 30 mph, (that’s the speed you’ll be doing when you hit the concrete...) Or, a light pole...or may you’re just lying there stunned in the road... No, the best place to be in a car crash, is in the car with your safety belt buckled to hold you there. If you’re not wearing a safety belt, what’s holding you back?

Research shows that the impact of a 30 mph crash is like jumping off a 3 story building. 30 mph crash is like jumping off a 3 story building. Research shows that the impact of a 30 mph crash is like jumping off a 3 story building. 30 mph crash is like jumping off a 3 story building. “We’re strong, but not that strong.” “Wow!” A 25 mph crash is like pedaling your bicycle full speed into a brick wall. A 25 mph crash is like pedaling your bicycle full speed into a brick wall. “I’m a good driver, I’ve never had an accident…and I drive at slower speeds, I can brace myself.” How would you answer this? Even at these low speeds, strong arms are like “wet noodles” Even at these low speeds, strong arms are like “wet noodles” The crash may not be your fault…but statistically most people are involved in traffic most people are involved in traffic collisions during their lifetime. The crash may not be your fault…but statistically most people are involved in traffic most people are involved in traffic collisions during their lifetime.

It only takes a few seconds, and most safety belts are comfortable. It only takes a few seconds, and most safety belts are comfortable. “That doesn’t appeal to me, let’s buckle up!” “I hear you!” You’ll be a lot more uncomfortable spending a lot of time spending a lot of time in the hospital or in rehab. You’ll be a lot more uncomfortable spending a lot of time spending a lot of time in the hospital or in rehab. “It takes too much time, and is uncomfortable.” How would you answer this?

Research shows the impact of you flying across the car (the interior collision) will probably be a lot worse than if you remained securely in your seat. Research shows the impact of you flying across the car (the interior collision) will probably be a lot worse than if you remained securely in your seat. “That makes sense to me!” “Get them on!” You also need to stay in the driver’s seat after the initial impact so it might be possible to steer or brake. You also need to stay in the driver’s seat after the initial impact so it might be possible to steer or brake. “If I get hit from the side, I am better off being thrown across the car, away from the direct impact of the crash.” How would you answer this?

Let’s emphasize our main point and notice a couple more... Let’s emphasize our main point and notice a couple more... If you wear safety belts, they prevent you from being thrown from a car in case of an accident. In a crash, any unbelted passenger is a danger not only to himself but to the other people in the vehicle, as he can crash into them causing injury. VIDEO WILL SOON PLAY Courtesy of: US Dept. of Transportation Wearing safety belts really helps. You can see how in this crash test film. Just the simple act of buckling up. Wearing safety belts holds you while the car takes the force of the crash.

Be sure all passengers in your car all buckled! VIDEO WILL SOON PLAY Courtesy of:: National Safety Council Be sure all passengers in your car are buckled! “Thee dead in this vehicle...the girl is critical. They say the guy without the seatbelt did the damage.” “This is Michael. Today he is going to hit his girlfriend so hard that she ends up with permanent brain damage.”

Safety belts are also your best defense against drunk drivers. Lap and shoulder belt together Be sure all passengers in your car are buckled! You are four times more likely to die in a car crash if you are not wearing your seat belt.

90% of the time child restraints are not properly installed. Auto accidents are a leading cause of deaths in infants and children. 50% of those deaths could be prevented by child restraints. The back seat is the safest place for a child to ride. What do you know about child restraints? What do you know about child restraints? What are some differences in child restraints?

Basically, there are restraints for infants and for children. Basically, there are restraints for infants and for children.

What should you know about the restraint device? Children less than 20 pounds, or less than 1 year Weight or size of child Children from about 20 to 40 pounds and at least 1 year Rear-facing infant seat that is secured to the seat by the seat belts Proper type of restraint Forward-facing child seat

Generally, at what age can older children begin sitting in the front seat? A proper type of restraint will: Fit securely on the vehicle seat and if forward-facing is attached with a tether strap and tether anchorage hardware. Properly fit the child …(but allows for some growing room) Has a harness system that is easily attached and adjusted. Has clear and easily followed instructions. Has not been recalled due to a safety defect.

Generally, the size of the child is the determining factor. They should be 4’ 9” and 80 lbs. (tall enough so the shoulder harness does not cross the neck or face). Sadly, some adults are ignorant of the serious dangers, not restraining their children or holding infants in their laps. 12 yrs. old is the recommended age…but Generally, at what age can older children begin sitting in the front seat?

Car crashes are sudden and violent. Your arms cannot hold onto an infant or child during a collision. But a certified, correctly installed child restraint system can. As a driver, make sure that ALL infants and children are properly secured in certified child restraint systems. Courtesy of: US Dept. of Transportation This simulated crash at 40 mph shows that a real unrestrained child would have been seriously injured in such a crash. At closer to true speed the violence of the impact is evident. Even a mother’s arms cannot protect her child. In fact, her body may crush her child in speeds as slow as 25 mph. Children should always be restrained in cars. For those tall enough the shoulder strap should be used crossing the chest. (not the neck)

When used properly they do work.

Airbags are designed to keep your neck, head, and chest from slamming into the dash board, windshield or steering wheel. They are designed to work with safety belts. Since their introduction it has been estimated that airbags have saved several thousand people.

Below is an illustration of a driver side airbag deployment. The first image is the airbag inflation, the second depicts the dummies contact with the airbag, and the third is the deflation of the airbag. This all takes place in about 30 milliseconds. In fact the entire inflation/deflation cycle takes less than 1/2 second. The speed of the airbag inflating is around 200 MPH. The vehicle has not come to a stop at this point.

With Airbag Without Airbag

But, there are some important things for drivers to remember…What should the driver know concerning his/her posture and hand placement on the wheel? But, there are some important things for drivers to remember…What should the driver know concerning his/her posture and hand placement on the wheel? Airbags are designed to only deploy in frontal crashes. Airbags in conjunction with the driver wearing safety belts has reduce deaths by 26% Side airbags have also been developed and are currently available with certain models.

Potentially dangerous if airbag deployed What is the potential danger of this hand position on the steering wheel ? What type of injuries? Arms Face Neck Eyes Chest

More relaxed position, better if airbag deployed …but this position can quickly become fatiguing. What about this 9 and 3 hand position on the steering wheel?

4 and 8 is now recommended – this is the location of most hand holds on the wheel. At least 10 inches This will afford protection in case of air bag deployment. WHY? Also if you have a tilt-wheel, tilt it so the air bag will deploy toward your chest. (not face) But, airbags are not suitable for everyone… What do you know about those who should not be in the front seat exposed to the dangers of the airbag? But, airbags are not suitable for everyone… What do you know about those who should not be in the front seat exposed to the dangers of the airbag?

Children and air bags do not mix Air bags could seriously injure or kill children who are sitting in the front seat…they should always be in the back seat buckled up. Also short adults (the airbag should be aimed at the chest)…on some models optional switches are available to temporarily turn off the airbag. (check with insurance policy for conditions)

Review time…how much do you remember?

2) True or False: Wearing a lap-shoulder belt reduces your risk of being killed in a serious collision by 50% and serious injury is reduced by 70%. ________ 5) The shoulder strap should never cross the body at or near the ________or _______. 1) Nearly every state has _______requiring front seat passengers to wear safety belts. 3) Deaths of unbelted occupants have occurred at speeds as low as ________. 4) The lap belt should be worn across the_____ bones, never over the soft part of the abdomen. 6) Wearing the shoulder strap tucked behind the back can cause _________injuries as well as _______cord injuries.

7) True or False: Three out of four collisions occur within 25 miles from home ______ 9) In a crash with a safety belt on, you have a much better chance of remaining __________ so that if the vehicle did catch fire, you would have the presence of mind to get out. 8) When adjusting your seat, don’t forget to also check the ___________or a painful whiplash can result in the event of a rear-end crash. 10) True or False: If you get broad-sided on the drivers side, you are better off without your seatbelt because you will be pushed to the passenger side, avoiding the severest part of the impact._________ 11) You need to stay in the drivers seat after the initial impact so you might still be able to _______or _______.

17) Airbags are designed to work together with _________. (they are not a substitute for safety belts) 12) True or False: In a crash, an unbelted person is also a danger to others in the car in that they can fly into other passengers seriously injuring them as well. ______ 14) The _________is the safest place for a child to ride. 13) Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death in children, but nearly _____% could be saved if they were properly __________. 15) True or False: Children less than 20 lbs or one year old, should be in the back seat facing forward. ______________ 16) True or False: It is not possible for a mother to safely secure her infant in her arms in the event of a crash. _____

23) The best way to protect yourself in the event of a crash is to get into the habit of always ______________ 18) True or False: Acceptable hand placement on the steering wheel with an air bag is about 9 or 3 or 4 and 8. _______ (do not position hands high on wheel) 20) You should be sitting at least ___ inches away from the air bag. 19) Your sitting position with an airbag present is important because the bag deploys at about_____mph 21) With the air bag present be sure the tilt-steering wheel is not pointed at your ________ 22) True or False: It is also a danger for short adults to be in the front seat with an airbag…in these situations it might be possible to arrange for an air bag on-off switch. _______

The end