Myth-busting: Why wearing seat belts can save your life

Many drivers still believe the myth that sometimes it's better not to wear seat belts because they think that in the event of an accident, it's better to be thrown out of the car than to suffocate or burn inside it. Meanwhile, seat belts have saved countless lives during accidents. Moreover, they can be crucial even when getting out of the vehicle is difficult.

After an accident, car doors can be so damaged that they cannot be opened from the inside. It is easier to open them from the outside because there is a more stable leverage point, and with the help of another person, you can try to force them open. Firefighters often use this method and less frequently resort to using equipment to cut the car body.

However, there are situations where immediately exiting the vehicle is crucial for safety, for example, when the car starts to burn, is in a place at risk of another collision, or has fallen into the water. In such cases, seat belts can prove invaluable.

It is worth paying attention to the so-called buckle, sometimes referred to by manufacturers as a tong. This is the metal part inserted into the lock, also known as the latch. It is an exceptionally sturdy element made of thick steel that fits well in the hand.

This element can break the side window to enable you to exit the vehicle. Of course, a hammer (such as those found in buses) is more convenient, but usually, we don't have anything more accessible than the seatbelt buckle. It’s worth remembering this should the need arise, which, of course, we wish upon no one.