Occupant Protection

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What is the main reason seatbelts help prevent injuries and fatalities in a motor vehicle accident?

Seatbelts keep you in place so your body is less likely to strike the vehicle's interior components.

Seatbelts spread the crash forces over a large area of the body.

Seatbelts are designed to absorb the forces in a crash through the strongest areas of your body. (correct)

Seatbelts prevent you and other occupants from being ejected from the vehicle.

What is the proper way to wear a seatbelt according to the text?

The lap belt should fit low and snug across the abdomen, and the shoulder belt should fit closely against the chest.

The lap belt should fit low and snug across the abdomen, and the shoulder belt should fit closely against the back.

The lap belt should fit low and snug across the hips, and the shoulder belt should fit closely against the chest and across the breastbone. (correct)

The lap belt should fit low and snug across the hips, and the shoulder belt should fit closely against the back.

What is the potential danger of tucking the seatbelt under the arm closest to the door?

It could prevent the seatbelt from properly restraining the occupant during a crash.

It could cause the seatbelt to become twisted or rolled, reducing its effectiveness.

It could cause the rib cage to be crushed during impact, affecting the heart and lungs. (correct)

It could cause the seatbelt to slide up and put pressure on the neck, potentially causing injury.

What is the Virginia law regarding seatbelt use?

All front seat occupants of motor vehicles must be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old must be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seatbelt, no matter their seating position. Signup and view all the answers

What statistic does the text provide about the impact of not being buckled or restrained in a motor vehicle?

Death rates are 8 times higher when an occupant is not buckled or restrained. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, where should rear-facing child safety seats be placed?

In the back seat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of air bags?

To protect the head in a frontal crash Signup and view all the answers

How do air bags inflate?

At speeds of 200 MPH for 12 to 18 inches and deflate within one second of inflating Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between air bags and seat belts?

Air bags are most effective when used in combination with a seat belt Signup and view all the answers

When do air bags deploy?

Automatically in a frontal crash of 12 miles per hour or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of serious inflation injuries in vehicles equipped with airbags?

Sitting very close to the airbag Signup and view all the answers

Who is particularly at risk of airbag-related injuries due to improper positioning in a vehicle?

Infants in rear-facing restraints in the back seat Signup and view all the answers

What can help eliminate the risks of airbags without compromising their life-saving benefits?

Securing children in the back seat Signup and view all the answers

Why should children be positioned in the back seat of a vehicle whenever possible?

To reduce their exposure to airbag risks Signup and view all the answers

What is a key danger for passengers who do not wear seat belts or use them incorrectly?

Being ejected from the vehicle during sudden stops Signup and view all the answers

Why are drivers who sit very close to the steering wheel at risk regarding airbags?

To be very close to or on top of airbags before inflation begins Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do if there are too many children to place them all in the back seat of a vehicle?

Allow only one child to sit up front positioned correctly and securely buckled Signup and view all the answers

What is one particular action that can put a child at risk when seated in a vehicle?

Leaning forward to adjust the climate control settings Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor often leads to most airbag deaths?

Not using seatbelts or using them incorrectly Signup and view all the answers

Which group is particularly affected by improper positioning near airbags?

Children in booster seats facing forward Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age for a child to sit without a booster seat in Virginia?

8 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a child to sit without a booster seat, in addition to being at least 8 years old?

The shoulder belt lies snugly across the shoulder and chest Signup and view all the answers

Where should a rear-facing child restraint device be placed in a vehicle?

In the back seat Signup and view all the answers

If a vehicle does not have a back seat, where can a child restraint device be placed?

In the front passenger seat, if the airbag is deactivated Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that every occupant of a vehicle is properly restrained?

The driver of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers