To provide optimal protection for any driver, and to be in compliance with the traffic regulations, the lap portion of a lap/shoulder belt must be worn low and snug across the hips, and the shoulder portion must be snug across the chest, away from the neck and face. The shoulder portion should never be worn behind the back or under the arm.

Improper wearing of a safety belt carries the same penalty as failing to wear a safety belt, and can cause more injury in some crashes than if the belt was not used. So what can you do if your seat belt doesn't fit comfortably?

Some smaller people, especially children, may find that the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt rubs on their face or neck. Moving the seat forward or backward or shifting slightly in the seat can often relieve uncomfortable rubbing. Additionally, many newer vehicles have restraint systems that can be adjusted. Booster seats than the use of the vehicles's restraint system alone.

For larger people, if the vehicle's restraint system does not fit, the next step may be to purchase an after-market restraint system and install it professionally.

Article contributed by AAM