Created: 2023-11-27 17:21
As you get into the driver’s seat, your passengers should settle into their respective seats. The passenger capacity depends on the number of seats in your vehicle.
Seat Belts
It is mandatory for drivers to wear a seat belt. Passengers over the height of 1.35 meters are also required to wear a seat belt in both the front and rear seats.
#question is it not mandatory for the other passengers to wear the seatbelt? => See Liability ⚠️ below, it’s an insurance thing
A seat belt is properly worn when it is securely fastened and snug against the body. The diagonal section should cross your chest and the horizontal part should lie over your pelvis. Ensure the belt does not choke your neck.
Liability ⚠️
In terms of insurance, it is also wise to wear a seat belt. 😂
If you are involved in a collision and it later turns out that you and/or your passengers were not wearing seat belts, you may be liable for your own damages (such as hospitalization costs), even if the collision was not your fault.
Child Car Seats ‼️
Children under the height of 1.35 meters must only be transported in a suitable and approved child safety seat system. This could be a baby car seat for younger children or a booster seat for older kids. The seat belt is an integral part of every child safety system.
- ‘Approved’ signifies that the child safety system meets the stipulated European guidelines and carries an ECE label.
- ‘Fitting’ (or suitable) implies that the child’s height and weight are commensurate with the seat or booster.
Car seat facing rearward = airbag deactivated
A child seated in a rear-facing baby car seat should only be transported in a position where the airbag has been deactivated. An inflating airbag can forcefully press the baby car seat into the larger seat, resulting in greater injury to the child.
For children up to 12 years old, a seat without an active airbag is safer. If the airbag cannot be deactivated, adjust the seat to its farthest rear position. ‼️
No child restraint system in place?
A child age 3 or older who is in the car with someone other than their own (foster) parents may be transported with the seat belt in the back seat. This is allowed only if there is no car child restraint system and if the trips are occasional, short trips.
Seat belt exceptions
In some situations, wearing a seat belt is not mandatory:
- People in wheelchairs or people being transported lying down do not have to wear a seat belt. However, the safety of their transport must be arranged in some other way.
- Older cars do not always have seat belts on every seat. In that case:
| No seat belt (and no booster seat) present | |
|---|---|
| Driver and adult passengers | may sit in the front and rear |
| Children < 3 years of age | may not be transported |
| Children from 3 years and < 1.35 meters | may only sit in the back seat |
| Children from 3 years of age and > 1,35 meters | may sit in the front and rear seats |
Everyone safely secured? Your responsibility!
Motorists who wear seat belts are 40% less likely to be injured in a collision. Making sure you and your passengers are wearing seat belts may even save lives.
⚠️ As a driver, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers under the age of 12. You must make sure they are properly using seat belts and child restraint systems.
Loose objects
Before driving off, check your car for loose items. Store small items in the compartments provided and put large items in the trunk. If you get into a collision, flying items can cause additional injury to you and your passengers.
Plus, in a tidy car, you can be sure that nothing will roll under your pedals while driving. ‼️
Pets
There are no special rules for transporting animals in the car.
- A small pet is best transported in a metal car crate. Many car crates can be secured on the back seat using the three-point seatbelt.
- Larger pets are safest when transported in a secured steel crate in the trunk.