Seat belts' secret survival tool you didn't know about

The main task of seat belts is to keep the driver and passengers in their seats during an unexpected collision. But that's not all; seat belts also have another critical function: they are handy when vehicle doors are blocked after an accident.

Most people travelling in cars treat fastening seat belts as a routine activity. However, some believe it’s better to be thrown out of the vehicle during an accident than to be trapped inside. For them, seat belts might as well not exist. Few realize, however, that seat belts have a crucial feature that debunks these theories.

Seat belts should be fastened by both the driver and all passengers in the car. Driving without fastened seat belts is associated with a fine of about $33 and 5 demerit points. However, the law provides some exceptions to this requirement, such as pregnancy, having a certificate of medical contraindications, or being a taxi driver.

It is worth remembering that fastening seat belts is not only about avoiding a fine but mainly about your safety. Seat belts protect against being thrown through the windshield during an accident, which can save lives.

There is a prevalent belief that it is better to be thrown out of the car than to remain trapped inside in certain situations. Critics of using seat belts often base their arguments on this belief.

Experts consider this theory a dangerous myth that can be easily debunked. A function of seat belts can be handy if the doors become blocked after a collision. Thanks to it, you can quickly and safely get out of a vehicle.

This function refers to the buckle, the metal part of the belt that you insert into the latch receptor when fastening it. It is a solid element made of a thick steel plate. It is small enough to fit easily in your hand and is convenient to hold.

This design is deliberate because the buckle can break the window and escape from a burning car if the doors are blocked. In such a situation, every second counts, so knowing about this function can save your life or someone else's.