The RCMP want to advise all drivers and passengers to stay safe, buckle-up when in a vehicle and go home alive.
Question: Did you know that without wearing your seat belt properly, many of the safety features in your vehicle, like airbags, are drastically less efficient to protect you in case of a collision?
Many newer vehicles do have “crush zones” or “life spaces” built into them, meaning the cabin area of the vehicle is built to withstand the gravitational force of the collision and help the occupants inside to slow down at a reduced rate. These areas are sturdy and help the occupants survive the crash – but if you are not buckled in, this feature can’t do much in the event of a collision. The seatbelt is a key element in maximizing this safety feature.
Question: Did you know that contrary to great action movie scenes, your chance of surviving a roll-over collision in your vehicle without wearing your seat belt is very slim?
When a vehicle strikes an object at highway speed (100 km/hr), it drastically increases the gravitational force of that object. That means that a person weighing 200 pounds now weighs 10,000 pounds, a weight that forbids anyone holding themselves in place. If the vehicle rolls, anyone unbuckled is likely to be thrown from the vehicle, and then two things will happen: first, the body will hit the ground at highway speed and second, the vehicle will most likely roll on top of you.
In Manitoba, over the last 3 years, 44% of fatal crashes reported the deceased was unbelted at the time of the accident. Luckily 90% of the motorists in rural area of Manitoba are compliant with wearing their seat belt while driving.
So if you find yourself in the 10% of people not complying with wearing your seatbelt, maybe you can ask yourself a simple question: Would I rather go back home to my family after a motor vehicle collision or risk the odds and possibly lose my life.
