KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- We are all here for the purpose of supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and accomplishing the mission. That means we cannot afford for any member to lose their lives or get seriously injured in an auto accident.
We have all been briefed a thousand times by commanders and supervisors to wear seatbelts. Unfortunately, many people still resist using seatbelts and usually end up paying a stiff price -- their lives.
If you're still unconvinced that seatbelts can mean the difference between life and death in an auto accident, take a moment to consider the following information.
The Excuses
1) "I don't need to wear a seatbelt when driving at slow speeds or on short trips."
2) "I can't move with those belts on - they're so uncomfortable!"
3) "It's better to be thrown out of the car than be trapped in by a seatbelt."
4) "I'm a good driver. I've never had an accident."
The Answers
1) The majority of all car accidents occur within 25 miles of home - and 80 percent of all serious injuries and fatalities occur in cars going 40 miles per hour or slower.
2) The fact is newer seatbelt design allows for total freedom of motion while driving. The latching device that secures the belt only goes into effect when the car jolts abruptly, as in an accident.
3) People who are thrown form cars are 25 times more likely to be killed than if they had been held securely in their seats. Further, in the unlikely event your car catches fire or is submerged, seatbelts can keep you from getting "knocked out" and greatly improve your chances of escape.
4) You may be a good driver, but there are situations beyond your control such as weather and road conditions (not to mention other drivers) that can affect your safety. Drive preventively and use your seatbelt.
Safe and Secure
The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office conducts weekly seatbelt checks and last week's seatbelt usage rate was 93% (26 wearing/2 not wearing). Our goal is 100% every week. The only excuse for you not to wear your seatbelt is if the vehicle you're in doesn't have any. Even then, you should think twice about riding in a vehicle with no seatbelts.
When all is said and done, it pays to remember that seatbelts were designed with your safety and security in mind. Regardless of your speed and road conditions, seatbelts can make a life and death difference if you are involved in an automobile accident. Use your seatbelt. The life you save may be your own.