Adult occupants

Buckle up - every trip, every ride, front seat and back seat.

Wearing your seat belt is the single most important action you can take to stay safe in a vehicle. It is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in car crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passengers and by 60% for occupants in the back seat.

Minnesota law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Seat belts should be snug across the hips or thighs, and the shoulder belt must be positioned correctly across the chest—never tucked under the arm or behind the back.

When worn properly, seat belts are designed to spread crash forces across the stronger bony parts of the body, including the shoulder, rib cage, and pelvis. They also prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle, which is associated with a high risk of injury and death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that unbelted occupants are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

In Minnesota, seat belt use reached a near all-time high of 94.7% in 2024, according to the observational seat belt survey of front-seat occupants. However, some occupants still don’t buckle up. Preliminary counts indicate that 84 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2023—about 20% of that year’s preliminary crash death total of 414. While this is an improvement from 87 unbelted deaths in 2022 and down from 110 in 2021, there is still work to be done.

Make safety a priority—always buckle up and encourage others to do the same!

Adult Seat Belt Use

Fit matters. To maximize the effectiveness of seat belts for all adult vehicle occupants, follow these guidelines.

Proper Placement: The lap belt should rest securely across your hips, while the shoulder belt should cross the middle of your chest, away from your neck. This positioning helps distribute crash forces across the strongest parts of your body, reducing the risk of serious injury in a crash.

Avoid Incorrect Positions: Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. This can compromise the seat belt’s effectiveness and significantly increase your risk of injury during a crash.

Comfort and Fit: Ensure the lap belt does not sit on your stomach. Properly positioned seat belts are not only safer but also more comfortable.

If you’re concerned about the fit of your seat belts, particularly in new vehicles, consult your vehicle manufacturer about options to improve fit. According to the NHTSA, an improperly fitted seat belt can increase the risk of ejection and injury in a crash.

For older or classic cars equipped with only lap belts, check with your vehicle manufacturer about retrofitting with modern lap/shoulder belts, as the CDC emphasizes the importance of using seat belts that meet current safety standards.

If you need extra room for your seat belt, seat belt extenders may be an option, but use them with caution. Ensure that any extender is approved for use with your vehicle, as not all extenders have been crash-tested or meet safety standards. Always confirm compatibility with your vehicle manufacturer and purchase extenders directly from them to ensure safety and reliability.

Adult Seat Belt Video

Remember, a properly fitted seat belt is essential for your safety on the road! Buckle up every time you get in the car—your life depends on it!

Do you have your seat belt on correctly? Watch this video to ensure proper fit.

Seat Belt Use for Pregnant People

Being pregnant means paying special attention to safety while driving or riding as a passenger. As a pregnant person’s body changes, specific adjustments are necessary to maximize safety for both the individual and their unborn child.

If you’re pregnant, it’s crucial to know how to position your seat and wear your seat belt correctly to enhance your safety and that of your baby.

Key Recommendations for Pregnant Drivers and Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides essential guidelines on seat belt use during pregnancy. Here are some key points:

  • Buckle Up: Always wear your seat belt throughout your pregnancy. It’s the most effective way to protect yourself and your unborn child in the event of a crash.
  • Proper Positioning: The lap belt should be positioned high on your thighs (ideally on your pelvic bones) and below the soft part of your abdomen. The shoulder belt should cross the middle of your chest, between your breasts, and should never be placed under your arm or behind your back.
  • Distance from the Steering Wheel: Ensure your abdomen is at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel. Adjust your seat to a comfortable, upright position, keeping as much distance as possible between your belly and the wheel.
  • Seat Recline: Avoid reclining your seat more than necessary to minimize the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt.
  • Airbag Safety: Airbags work in conjunction with seat belts to provide the best protection. Always keep airbags activated; they are designed to complement seat belts, not replace them.
  • Avoid Seat Belt Positioners: While some may consider using seat belt positioners to improve comfort, these devices can interfere with the proper fit and function of seat belts. They are not recommended for use during pregnancy or at any time, as they can compromise safety in a crash.

Why You Should Avoid Seat Belt Positioners

  • Lack of Safety Approval: Seat belt positioners modify a critical safety system with devices that are not approved by vehicle manufacturers. This can compromise the intended function of the seat belt, which is designed to keep you safe during a crash.
  • Unproven Benefits: While it may seem beneficial to reduce lap belt pressure on the abdomen, the primary risk for unborn babies in crashes is placental abruption—a condition caused by various factors unrelated to the seat belt. There is no evidence that seat belt positioners enhance safety; in fact, their use can increase the risk of injury.
  • Questionable Crash Testing: Many positioners claim to be “crash tested,” but most manufacturers fail to provide supporting documentation. Without evidence of rigorous testing, there’s no way to verify their safety claims. In contrast, vehicle seat belts undergo extensive testing and meet strict safety standards.
  • Potential for Injury: The impact of using seat belt positioners in a crash is largely unknown. There are no studies comparing injury levels between individuals using positioners and those using properly fitted seat belts. The unpredictability of their performance raises serious safety concerns.
  • Legal Considerations: Although some advertisements may claim seat belt positioners are “legal” or “approved,” they lack official approval from any governing body. Their use may complicate legal liability in the event of an injury.
  • Construction Concerns: Seat belt positioners can be made from various materials without the stringent safety standards applied to seat belts. Common designs may not withstand crash forces. An investigation found that many positioners lack the advertised safety features.

Securing a Pregnant Person

Remember, a properly fitted seat belt is essential for your safety on the road! Buckle up every time you get in the car—your life depends on it!

Do you have your seat belt on correctly? Watch this video to ensure proper fit.

Given these risks, it is best to rely on properly positioned seat belts for safety during pregnancy. The lap belt should be positioned low across your hips, and the shoulder belt should cross your chest without impeding your neck. If you have concerns about the fit of your seat belt, consult your vehicle manufacturer for options to enhance safety rather than using unproven and potentially dangerous devices.

For more information on safe seat belt use during pregnancy, consult resources from the NHTSA and the Hudson Center for Prenatal Vehicle Safety. Your safety and that of your unborn child are paramount—stay buckled up properly!

If you are involved in a crash, seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel uninjured.
It’s essential to ensure your health and the health of your unborn child.

FAQ: Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer travel experience during your pregnancy. Stay buckled up for the safety of you and your baby!

Should I wear a seat belt while pregnant?

Yes! Wearing a seat belt is crucial for your safety and that of your unborn child. It is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

Lap Belt: Position the lap belt low across your hips and pelvic bones, below your abdomen.

Shoulder Belt: The shoulder belt should cross the middle of your chest (between your breasts) and away from your neck.

Avoid Incorrect Positions: Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm, and never place the lap belt over your belly.

For a visual guide, see these recommendations for pregnant drivers and passengers.

Adjust your seat to maintain as much distance as possible between your belly and the steering wheel. Keep your seat upright to minimize gaps between your shoulder and the seat belt.

No, do not turn off your airbags. Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts to provide optimal protection. Always wear your seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle with airbags.

No, seat belt adjusters are not recommended. These devices can interfere with the proper fit and function of seat belts, compromising safety in a crash. It’s best to avoid using them.

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel uninjured. It’s essential to ensure the health and safety of both you and your unborn child.

Yes, you can drive. Just make sure to wear your seat belt properly and adjust your seat for comfort and safety. It’s important to maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel.

You can consult resources like the NHTSA and the Hudson Center for Prenatal Vehicle Safety for additional information. These organizations provide valuable guidelines on safe travel during pregnancy. Additionally, speak with your medical provider (obstetrician, midwife, family physician, maternal-fetal medicine specialist) for personalized guidance.

Plan your trips: Take regular breaks during long journeys to stretch and walk around.

Avoid sudden movements: Make smooth adjustments when driving to minimize the risk of jolting.

Visit the NHTSA’s website for a comprehensive visual guide on seat belt use for pregnant individuals. Additionally, the Hudson Center for Prenatal Vehicle Safety offers further information and guidance.

Seat Belts and Airbags

Airbags have been essential safety features in vehicles for decades, continuously evolving to enhance occupant protection. However, this does not mean that seat belts can be neglected.

Airbags and Seat Belts: A Safety Partnership

Airbags and seat belts work together to maximize occupant safety. Without a seat belt, occupants can be thrown into a rapidly deploying frontal airbag, potentially causing serious injury or even death. It’s crucial to understand that airbags are designed to supplement, not replace, seat belts. Learn about air bag safety.

Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of airbags in preventing death and injury, particularly when used in conjunction with seat belts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as of 2017, frontal airbags have saved approximately 50,457 lives.

In frontal crashes, front airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29% and fatalities of front-seat passengers aged 13 and older by 32%. The combination of an airbag with a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of death in frontal crashes by 61%, compared to a 50% reduction for seat belts alone and a 34% reduction for airbags alone.

Furthermore, NHTSA has found that side airbags, which provide head protection, are particularly effective. They reduce a car driver’s risk of death in driver-side crashes by 37% and an SUV driver’s risk by 52%.

Understanding Airbag Risks

While airbags significantly enhance safety, they can pose risks if not used properly. NHTSA studies indicate that curtain airbags and torso airbags reduce the risk of death in nearside crashes by 31%, while head/torso airbags reduce this risk by 25%.

The importance of head-protecting side airbags is evident from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) side crash tests. All vehicles earning good ratings in these tests have been equipped with side airbags that protect the head. However, airbags alone are insufficient; vehicles must also have side structures designed to resist major intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Follow These Occupant Protection Tips to Stay Safe with Airbags

Wearing a seat belt is essential for safety, and using it correctly, alongside airbags, significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in a crash. For more information, visit NHTSA and IIHS websites for guidelines on vehicle safety. Stay safe and buckle up!

Seating Position:
Drivers and front-seat passengers should sit upright in the center of the seat, with their backs against the seatback and feet flat on the floor.

Avoid Contact:
Never allow arms or legs to rest against an airbag, as the force of a deploying airbag can cause injury.

No Aftermarket Covers:
Avoid using aftermarket dash or seat covers that may block or redirect a deploying airbag.

Maintain Distance:
Drivers should sit with their chests at least 10 inches away from the center of the steering wheel. Shorter drivers can often achieve this by slightly reclining the seatback. Newer airbags are designed to deploy with less force if an occupant is seated closer.

Child Safety:
Young children should always sit in the back seat and use approved car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age. Children under the age of 13 must sit in a back seat of the vehicle, if possible, as mandated by Minnesota law. Importantly, rear-facing car seats should never be installed in front of an airbag, as this can pose a significant risk in the event of a crash.

Child Positioning:
Children should not lean against the door area where side airbags are stored, as the initial deployment force may be harmful. Whether or not there is an airbag, children who lean against doors or lie down near them are at higher risk of injury in a side impact crash.

Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.