Main purposes of a seat belt
Seat belts prevent the occupant from hitting the dashboard or being thrown, and distribute crash forces over stronger body parts.
Appropriate times to use a seat belt
Seat belts and restraints must be used whenever they are available to ensure maximum safety.
Correct way to wear a seat belt
Proper fit increases effectiveness and reduces injury during crashes.
Meaning of inertia locking in seat belts
It allows movement in normal conditions but locks the belt during emergencies.
Rule for using unbelted seat when a belted one is available
Safety laws require passengers to occupy seats with seat belts when available.
Requirement for securing animals and loose objects in a vehicle
Unrestrained animals and loose objects can become dangerous projectiles during a crash.
Circumstances that allow avoiding seat belt use
Only specific exemptions are accepted by law.
Safety of seat belt use during pregnancy
The mother’s safety ensures the unborn child’s safety in a crash.
Person responsible for ensuring child restraints are used
Drivers must ensure every child is properly restrained.
Required restraint for a child under 6 months old
This protects the child’s neck and spine in the event of a crash.
Required restraint for a child aged 6 months to less than 4 years
Must be properly fastened and adjusted for the child’s safety.
Required restraint for a child aged 4 to less than 7 years
The restraint must meet Australian standards and be adjusted correctly.
Rule for placing a child under 4 in the front seat of multi-row vehicle
They can only sit in the front if the back seats are all occupied by children under 7.
Rule for sharing a seat belt between two passengers
Sharing increases the risk of crushing injuries in a crash.
Seat belts are designed to spread crash impact across specific body regions.
Crash force is distributed over broader, stronger parts of the body, lessening injury risk.
Front seat belts often feature a specific type of locking device for emergencies.
These devices lock during sudden stops or crashes while allowing free movement normally.