The patrol police have debunked common myths surrounding seat belts.

The patrol police debunked popular myths about seat belts

Seat belts are a mandatory component of a safe journey; however, many drivers and passengers neglect them, relying on widespread myths.

The Kyiv patrol police shared some of the most common myths on their Telegram channel, according to mmr.net.ua.

One of the myths is the belief that wearing a seat belt is unnecessary at low speeds. In reality, even a minor collision can cause an unbelted driver to hit their head against the windshield, often resulting in fatal outcomes.

Another myth pertains to emergency situations, such as when a car is sinking or on fire. Some drivers think that seat belts can hinder rescue efforts; however, modern designs allow for unbuckling with a single motion, significantly reducing risks.

There is also a misconception that seat belts are not required during short trips. Yet statistics indicate that most fatal accidents occur within 40 km of home, as drivers often let their guard down on familiar routes.

Parents traveling with children may mistakenly believe they can hold their child in their arms during a collision. However, at just 30 km/h, the force acting on a child is several times greater than their weight, making physical restraint impossible.

Some people refuse to buckle up due to discomfort. However, regular use of a seat belt quickly becomes a habit, and its absence eventually triggers a sense of danger.

Another myth involves airbags. Some believe they replace seat belts; however, an airbag deploys at a speed of 300 km/h, which can cause severe injuries if the person is not buckled up. Seat belts are designed to work in conjunction with airbags, not as a substitute.

The final myth concerns rear-seat passengers, who often do not buckle up. This is dangerous not only for them but also for the driver and other passengers, as a person in the back seat can inflict fatal harm during an accident.

Everyone should wear seat belts without exception, as this is the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury in a car accident.