The Annual Report on Road Accidents in India released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways shows that 4,61,312 road accidents were reported in India in 2022. The numbers are staggering. This calls for us to be more proactive and cautious while driving. In this regard, the importance of seat belts cannot be overstated.
Importance of Seat Belts
Seat belts have significantly been instrumental in saving lives during fatalities like car crashes. A buckled seat belt can be a lifeline during a collision.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, if you drive without seatbelts, you can be fined up to 1000 rupees. Earlier, the penalty fee was Rs 100 only. The government of India does this to incentivise people to wear seat belts.
But why are seat belts important? Let us understand that.
Seatbelts secure and hold the passengers, preventing them from being tossed inside or ejected/thrown over from the vehicle upon a collision. Seat belts are capable of countering the car’s inertia (its natural tendency to move), ensuring occupants are secured in place that minimises hitting the dashboard or windshield or being tossed out of the vehicle, which may result in fatal/deadly injuries.
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Even out the force spread
By wearing a seatbelt, the force is spread evenly across the body and directed towards the hips and shoulders. This reduces accidental risk. In crashes, the head and spinal cord are particularly vulnerable. A blow to the head could result in a traumatic brain injury, while spinal injuries can be life-threatening. Wearing a seatbelt minimises this risk.
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Airbags complement seatbelts
A common misconception is that airbags can replace seat belts. However, they work in conjunction with seatbelts. Without a seatbelt, the body may not be properly positioned to benefit from the protective function of airbags.
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Affects insurance coverage
Not wearing a seatbelt in case of an accident could affect your insurance coverage. If the police report or insurance claim indicates you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident, your insurance company may refuse to compensate for certain damages. This is because many insurance providers view wearing a seatbelt as a reasonable measure to mitigate potential damage in a collision.
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Reduced risk of fatalities
Wearing a seatbelt vastly reduces the risk of death. A study shows that wearing a seatbelt decreases the likelihood of fatality in a car accident by 45%, which is a large number.
Now, let’s look at the importance of seat belts for passengers in the rear.
The seat belts have a locking mechanism triggered by the car’s or belt’s movements. This mechanism ensures the belt holds the body tight during a crash, maximising its protective capacity during an impact.
Earlier, seat belts were only significant for front passengers. However, they are equally crucial for passengers seated in the rear. Starting from 1 April 2025, the newly manufactured cars in India will also have an alarm for the rear seats. The move is significant, as it will help improve public safety. A study shows that 9 out of 10 Indians do not wear rear seatbelts, which underscores the need for this move.
Conclusion
Now we clearly know why seat belts are important. From legal requirements to saving oneself from sudden ejections during crashes, seat belts play a significant role. Another pivotal thing is a car insurance policy. It provides financial protection in unfortunate times like accidents.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the relevant industry. It is advised to verify the relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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