When I learned to drive more than 4 decades ago, seatbelts were
becoming standard equipment on all vehicles. Fast forward to today and
we have seatbelts, multiple airbags and a host of automatic systems
designed to either avoid a crash or minimize the damage
to us if we are in one. Why then do some of us ignore the systems that
are there for our protection?
A decade ago seatbelt use rates were about 97% for drivers of cars or
light trucks in B.C. according to Transport Canada. That said, one does
not have to sit for very long today watching traffic pass in urban areas
to find drivers who do not buckle up. Why
ignore what is probably the simplest and most effective device in your
vehicle that helps you avoid injury?
Have you read your vehicle’s owners manual to learn about airbags and
how they protect you in a collision? If you have you will realize that
you must wear your seatbelt to avoid injury caused by being out of place
if it deploys. You must also sit upright in
your seat when the vehicle is being driven.
Yesterday I was filling my fuel tank and watching the passenger in the
vehicle beside me. She had her feet up on the dash and remained that way
when her friend finished fueling and drove away. I shudder to think of
what would happen to her if that airbag deployed.
If you buy a new vehicle today you will find that it can be equipped
with many safety systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane
departure warning. Remember that owners manual? There will be some study
required to learn how they work, how you should
use them and when they cannot protect you.
The sensors for these systems require regular maintenance by the driver
to keep them functional. Be sure to read your owners manual or at least
have the dealership demonstrate what needs to be done before you drive
off the lot.
Vehicle computers store data about faults. If fault codes are stored for
malfunctioning safety systems it is conceivable that you could bear
some responsibility for injuries sustained in a crash. Ignoring these
new safety systems could also place you in a bad
position post collision.
Ignoring your own safety as a driver today may have many unintended
consequences that can also extend to your passengers. RTFM (Refer to
Factory Manual) might be the smartest (and safest) thing that you can
do!
Story URL:
https://www.drivesmartbc.ca/safety-equipment/ignoring-your-own-safety
—
Constable Tim Schewe (Retired)
DriveSmartBC: Where better than average drivers satisfy their curiosity.