Before you move, set yourself up to see and control the car, then buckle up. Safety belts keep you from being thrown out in a crash, which is one of the deadliest things that can happen, and they help you keep control in an emergency.
Adjusting your seat:
- Sit straight, back against the seat, feet on the floor; don't lean the seat back
- Reach the pedals and move your foot from brake to gas with your heel on the floor
- Leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel
- Top of the wheel no higher than your shoulders, and below chin level
- Headrest touching the back of your head above ear level
Space between your chest and the steering wheel
Handbook p. 36 ↗Adjusting your mirrors:
- Inside mirror: frame the rear window; set a day/night mirror for the time you drive
- Left mirror: rest your head on the closed left window; barely see your car's rear left edge
- Right mirror: lean right until your head is under the rearview mirror; barely see your car's right side
Wearing your belt correctly:
- Shoulder harness snug across your shoulder and chest
- Lap belt across your hips, not your stomach
- Never put the shoulder harness under your arm or behind your back
- Fasten the buckle securely
Know the rule
Everyone in your vehicle must wear a fastened safety belt or be in a child seat. Children eight and younger must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Safety belt facts
| Fact | Number |
|---|---|
| Chance of being killed if thrown from the car | 23 times greater |
| Crashes that happen under 40 mph | 70% |
| Fatal crashes within 25 miles of home | 3 out of 4 |
| Injury crashes involving fire or submersion | Less than half of 1% |
| Utah deaths that belts would have prevented | About 2 out of 3 |
Force on a 150-pound person in a 30 mph crash (weight × speed); you can't brace against it
Handbook p. 37 ↗Know the rule
You can be cited for each unrestrained passenger. The fine may be waived if you complete an online, 30-minute safety belt course.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Know the rule
You can be stopped and cited if anyone under 16 is unrestrained. Occupants 16 and older may be cited for a belt violation if stopped for another reason.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Put it into practice
You're driving three blocks to the store. Most fatal crashes happen within 25 miles of home and most crashes happen under 40 mph, so you and every passenger buckle up anyway.