Should I use a seat belt buckle instead of a seat belt?
Many people often use fake seat belt buckles when driving instead of wearing seat belts because they are cumbersome, so should this be done?
The seat belt reminder system is equipped on new car models. Its function is to emit a sound to alert the driver and passengers that they are not wearing their seat belts when getting in the car. Some cars only warn the driver's seat and some warn both front seats. This is considered standard equipment in some markets.
However, the seat belt reminder system is considered quite annoying for some people because they find it uncomfortable to wear a seat belt. This is the reason for the appearance of an accessory called a seat belt replacement pin, which is currently being sold widely on e-commerce sites or car accessory buying and selling groups on social networks.
The fake seat belt plug will be installed directly into the available slot on every car. When plugged in, the car's electrical system will be "tricked" into thinking that the passenger has fastened the seat belt and will no longer emit a warning signal.
It is known that seat belt replacement plugs are very cheap, only 50,000 - 100,000 VND depending on the type and are popular in most car accessory stores in Vietnam. With a cheap price and the ability to easily fool the car's safety warning system, this plug is selling quite well. Not only that, e-commerce sites and many car accessory stores also sell all kinds of plugs with full logos of popular car brands in Vietnam.
Although it can avoid the sounds from the warning system and not need to wear a seat belt, many people do not know that this replacement pin can be fatal in the event of an unexpected accident.
Because when driving a car, wearing a seat belt is the top priority, even more important than airbags. Seat belts can save the lives of car occupants and contribute to the effectiveness of airbags in the event of a collision.
Therefore, harmful accessories such as seat belt plugs should not be used as a replacement for seat belts.
Seat belts have been around since the late 1800s and are now standard equipment on all cars. They protect the occupants of a car by holding them in place if a collision occurs and they fly towards the windshield, resulting in death. In the event of hard braking, seat belts also provide excellent protection.
Statistics from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that seat belts can reduce casualties by about 50% in serious accidents. Regulations on wearing seat belts in cars are strictly enforced in many places around the world. Even people sitting in the back seat and even children are required to wear seat belts when riding in cars.
In Vietnam, the Government has issued mandatory regulations for drivers and all passengers in the vehicle. Point p, q Clause 3 Article 5 Decree 100/2019/ND-CP stipulates as follows:
- For drivers, fine from 800,000 - 1,000,000 VND if:
Not wearing a seat belt while driving on the road; Carrying people in a car without wearing a seat belt (where seat belts are equipped) while the car is moving.
- People who are transported in a car without wearing a seat belt (where seat belts are equipped) while the car is moving will be fined from 300,000 - 500,000 VND.
