How should you properly wear your lap belt?

Wearing the lap belt properly around your hips is crucial for safety while driving. The lap belt is designed to fit snugly across the pelvis, which helps distribute the force of a collision across the stronger bones of your hip area. This positioning minimizes the risk of injury to vital organs during a crash and prevents the belt from riding up to the abdomen, which could lead to serious injury.

In contrast, options that suggest wearing the belt across the stomach, over the shoulder, or under the arm are not suitable because they do not provide the same level of protection. Wearing a lap belt across the stomach can increase the risk of internal injury in an accident. Over-the-shoulder position typically refers to a shoulder harness, which is distinct from how a lap belt should be oriented. Lastly, placing the belt under the arm can create a dangerous situation, as it may not restrain the occupant properly and could allow them to be ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash. Therefore, securing the lap belt around the hips adheres to safety regulations and guidelines, making it the recommended practice.