Safety systems in vehicles have come a long way since the invention of the automobile. There are many features on modern vehicles that can help save your life if you are in an accident, but the two main safety devices are seatbelts and airbags.
What many people fail to realize is these two systems work together to protect you. Safety Restore explains you can use a seatbelt alone, but you should never use an airbag alone because the design of it requires seatbelt use as well to completely protect you.
The combination that saves lives
Your seatbelt is the primary safety device. It holds you in your seat to prevent your ejection from the vehicle. It also holds you tightly to the seat to stop impacts with other parts of the vehicle.
The airbag is a secondary safety device. It works with the seat belt to cushion you and protect you against impacts with parts of the vehicle.
Why you need both
If you fail to wear your seatbelt and the airbags deploy, you will crash into them as they shoot towards you. This can lead to serious injuries.
If you have your seatbelt on, the seatbelt stops you from hitting the airbag as it deploys. The seatbelt acts as a restraint that allows the airbag to provide proper cushion and not hit you at full force.
Always wear seatbelt
You should always wear your seatbelt in a vehicle, but if you have airbags, then you must wear the seatbelt. Some vehicles will disable airbags if you do not wear your seatbelt, but not all of them have this feature.
