If you have never practised the habit of fastening your seatbelt, think again. In 2005, out of 192 seatbelt-related road accident fatalities recorded, a stunning 173 were unbelted rear passengers. By not buckling up, the force of rear passengers slamming onto front seats can even propel front passengers towards the dashboard. Since January 2009, the Road Safety Department (JKJR) has stressed upon the urgent need for rear passengers to buckle up, adding that fines of RM300 will be issued to those who fail to comply.
Honda’s 3-Point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) and ALR (Automatic Load Retractor) seatbelts* with pretensioners and load limiters are designed to reduce fatalities and the severity of road injuries. Through sensors, pretensioners retract the belt to prevent the occupant from surging forward. Load limiters lessen belt-inflicted damage by absorbing the force and bringing you to a stop.
Remember, fastening your seatbelt can make a difference between life and death. So practise it with your family and friends, the right way. *ALR seatbelt features are only available in selected Honda models.
How to wear seatbelts in the right way:
To ensure that your seatbelt can efficiently protect you from the inevitable, consider these simple recommendations of wearing seatbelt the right way
Drivers and passengers
Wear shoulder belt across the chest and away from neck and face; lap belt across the hips. Never wear shoulder belt under the arm or behind your back.
Pregnant mothers
Wear lap belt below belly and snug on hipbones, never across or above belly. Wear shoulder belt comfortably across chest.
Children
Consider fit ting a child seat in the rear seat, avoid fit ting at the front passenger seat and ensure that the belt is worn securely around the seat.
Infant-only seats (for 9 months and below; up to 9kg) should be fit ted facing the rear of the car.
Infant-toddler seats (for 9 months – 4 years; 9 – 18kg) should be fit ted facing the front of the car.
Booster seats (for 4 – 11 years; 15 – 36kg) should be fitted facing the front, with shoulder belt securely across the child’s chest,
not neck.