If your vehicle has a 2-part safety belt system, what should you do?

Using both the lap and shoulder belt is the safest approach when your vehicle is equipped with a 2-part safety belt system. This combination provides maximum protection in the event of a collision. The lap belt secures your lower body, keeping you anchored in your seat, while the shoulder belt restrains your upper body and helps reduce the risk of serious injury by preventing you from being thrown forward.

Both components work together to distribute the forces of a crash across the stronger parts of your body and minimize the potential for injury. Each part of the seat belt system is designed to complement the other, ensuring that you remain securely in your seat and reducing the likelihood of ejection from the vehicle.

The other options present less effective practices that could compromise your safety. Relying on just one part of the safety belt system does not provide adequate restraint, while not using a belt at all, even on short trips, significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident.