Seat belt or airbag: police debunk popular myth among drivers.

The press service of the Patrol Police of Ivano-Frankivsk region emphasized the importance of using seat belts during traffic accidents and the dangers that arise when they are not worn. Drivers must understand that seat belts should always be fastened without exception, as this helps avoid injuries and fatalities during car accidents. A fine of 510 hryvnias is imposed for violating this rule, affecting both drivers and passengers.

The law enforcement officials underline that the use of seat belts significantly impacts the safety of the driver. In the case of a head-on collision, using seat belts reduces the risk of death for the driver by 2.3 times, in a side collision by 1.8 times, and in a rollover by 5 times. Furthermore, it is important to understand that airbags cannot replace the use of seat belts. An airbag is a complement to seat belts, not a substitute.

According to statistics, an unbelted passenger in the back seat during a head-on collision can not only be thrown out of the vehicle but can also injure other people in the cabin, including the driver. Additionally, the chances of survival after being thrown from a vehicle are very low - only 1%. Therefore, in the event of an accident, it is better to be buckled up.

Using seat belts can cause some injuries, but these are minor compared to the injuries that can be sustained from not wearing them. Minor injuries from seat belts are a small price to pay for a saved life.