Seat belts have a secret function. Did you know about it?

Some drivers still believe in the myth that seat belts are not always safe, because in certain situations it's better to be thrown from the vehicle rather than risk suffocation or burns inside the car. Without a doubt, seat belts have saved many lives during accidents. What's more, they can save lives even in situations where getting out of the car is difficult.

After a road accident, it often happens that the vehicle's doors are so damaged that opening them from the inside is impossible. Opening the doors from the outside is easier, as one can use a solid point of support, and with the help of another person, it is sometimes even possible to rip the door off. Firefighters often use this technique, as they do not always have to use equipment to cut through the bodywork.

However, there are situations when quickly getting out of a car is crucial for our safety. This could be a situation when the car starts to catch fire, harmful fumes are being released, the vehicle is in a spot particularly vulnerable to another hit, or for example, it has fallen into water. In such situations, seat belts can prove to be invaluable.

So how do you use a seatbelt to get out of a car? The key element is the so-called buckle, sometimes called by car manufacturers as a pass-through. It's a metal part that we press into the lock, also called a hook socket, to fasten the belt. It's worth noting that it's a very sturdy element made from thick steel plate, and it's also comfortable to hold.

It is with this buckle that you can break the side window to get out of the car. Of course, a hammer (like the one on buses) is more convenient, but usually we have nothing more useful than the aforementioned seatbelt buckle. It's worth remembering in case of a situation that I wouldn't wish on anyone.