STAFF SGT. VASIL MENCEV
Company A, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division
Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii

A little more than two years ago, a friend of mine was involved in an accident where an oncoming car crossed the centerline and struck his truck head-on. The tremendous impact forces caused by the vehicles’ combined 120-mph speeds crushed my friend’s truck, trapping him inside for two hours before rescue personnel could free him. He suffered multiple fractures to his feet, legs and knees, and doctors estimated it would be a year before he could walk again.

Medical personnel said if my friend had not been wearing his seat belt, he could have been instantly killed or his spine or neck broken. Despite the advances in automobile safety such as seat belts and air bags, thousands of people are killed and injured in accidents each year. Police officers are confronted daily with reasons why people don’t wear their seat belts. Here are some of the most common myths they encounter:

• “I don’t need a seat belt when I’m traveling at low speeds or going on a short trip.” In reality, more than 80 percent of all accidents occur at speeds less than 40 mph. Three out of four accidents occur within 25 miles of home.

• “I stand a better chance if I am thrown clear of an accident.” Actually, your chances of being killed are almost 25 times higher if you are thrown from the car in an accident. Seat belts can keep you from being thrown through the windshield or sunroof, scraped along the ground or crushed by your own car.

• “If I wear a seat belt, I might be trapped in a burning car.” Less than one-half of 1 percent of injury accidents involves a fire. If you are not restrained, you could be stunned or knocked unconscious and unable to get out of your car. You are also more likely to be crushed between the floor and dashboard if you don’t wear your seat belt.

• “If it is my time to go, it won’t matter if I am wearing my seat belt.” Don’t leave your life in the hands of fate to decide whether you live or die. Choose to improve your chances of survival by wearing your seat belt.

Since the invention of air bags, many people believe they no longer have to wear their seat belts. Relying on air bags alone and not using your seat belt is more dangerous than not having air bags at all. Air bags should be considered additional protection, not a replacement for safety belts.

If for nothing else, why not set a good example for your children? If you don’t wear your seat belt, they might not wear theirs either. Show them you care about your and their safety by buckling up every time.