In fatal crashes in 1997, only one percent of restrained passenger car occupants were ejected, compared to 20 percent of unrestrained occupants. Seat belts are so effective at reducing fatalities and serious injuries in traffic crashes that they are estimated to save 10,750 lives in America each year. A combination of an airbag and a seat belt provides maximum protection from injury for adults. The lap belt should be worn over your pelvic bones, not across your abdomen. The shoulder belt should come across your chest and over your collar bone, not across your face and neck.
Some cars have an adjustment that can lower the shoulder belt for shorter people.
Both the shoulder belt and lap belt must be engaged for the seat belt to work properly. Never place the shoulder belt behind your arm or back. Even though it is easy, takes three seconds to do, and saves lives, not everyone is buckling up. The average U.S. seat belt rate is about 70 percent. The national goal for seat belt use is 85 percent by the year 2000.