Ways To Stop Being Irritated by Your Seat Belt
“Seat belts save lives.”
“Don’t forget to wear your seat belt.”
We’ve heard these instructions throughout our lives. First, it was our parents, and then it was our driving teachers. You probably heard it in school too at some point. All the concern about wearing it (and rightly so) but nobody prepared you for how irritating seat belts can be. Perhaps you’re wearing them wrong. Or maybe your car company never really paid heed to its seat belt design. Or maybe it’s just NOT your thing.
So, what do you do? Should you stop wearing it? Heck no! You need to start wearing it right, use a comfort gadget or two and understand how important it actually is. All that repetition throughout childhood can sometimes get in the way of how we perceive things. Maybe all you need is a change of perception. We’ll try our best. Let’s dig in!
Buy a Seat Belt Shoulder Pad
If it’s the tight shoulder grip that bugs you, the problem is solved. Just buy a seat belt shoulder pad that wraps around your belt and makes it as light as a cloud. These shoulder pads are available in a bunch of designs and colors so you can even buy a statement piece.
The only problem with shoulder pads is that they can make you sweat behind the cushioned grip and cause skin issues. The problem seldom arises but it should be kept in mind as a possibility.
Invest in a Seat Belt Alarm Stopper
If you’re somewhat fine without the seat belt but it’s the constant beep that annoys you, you can buy a seat belt buckle that fits in and stops the beep. We’re particularly pitching the gadget for instances where you just have to park your car in a different way but the seatbelt warning beep won’t leave you alone.
We advise that you always wear your seat belt when on the road. It’s just for those mini parking instances when wearing a seatbelt isn’t realistic.
The Proper Way To Wear a Seat Belt
Make sure you aren’t wearing a seat belt over your stomach — it can be really uncomfortable and might even trigger nausea. We get that some seat belts are designed this way — a common occurrence with many public means of transport. But see if you can wear it just around your upper thighs.
Secondly, make sure you wear the second strap across your shoulder and chest. The seat belt must not go around or choke your neck from any angle. As long as you’re doing this and wearing a seat belt shoulder pad, it should be comfortable.
Did You Know: Seat Belt Syndrome Is a Real Thing
Seat belt injuries are a real thing and it’s called seatbelt syndrome. The injuries range from abrasions and bruises to vertebral fractures and intra-abdominal issues. This normally happens when a car accident victim is wearing a seatbelt and receives pressure that comes with the impact.
This is exactly why airbags exist. It’s also the reason why our seatbelts are a bit flexible from one end. If you feel that your seat belt is too stiff or uncomfortable, make sure to get it thoroughly checked.
Summing Up: Busting Up Seat Belt Myths
To help minimize your irritation and make you realize how important seatbelts are, here are some myths, busted:
- My car has airbags, I don’t need a seatbelt. (This is a misconception, you need to be buckled up in case of an accident)
- I’m not going very far or traveling too fast. (Always wear a seatbelt even if you’re just driving around the corner. You may not be driving fast but someone else might be)