Seat belts are often taken for granted. Some people find them cumbersome, restrictive, or uncomfortable. However, this component is not just a matter of traffic regulations, but can actually save lives. In fact, the obligation to wear a seatbelt is clearly regulated in Law No. 22 of 2009 Article 57 Paragraph 3. So, if you recklessly violate this rule, be prepared to get a ticket and risk your life on the road.

It is even worse if the seatbelt is damaged but left unrepaired. That is tantamount to deliberately inviting danger.

The Vital Functions of Seatbelts

1. Reduces the Risk of Injury in Accidents

Seatbelts restrain the body from hard impacts during accidents. Even with airbags, their effectiveness is reduced if seatbelts are not worn.

2. Protects the Head and Body

Their function is similar to helmets for bikers. Seatbelts help prevent the head from hitting the steering wheel and keep the body in an ideal position.

3. Increases Comfort & Focus

Your sitting position becomes more upright, your hands are in the right position on the steering wheel, and your eyes are more focused on the road. This comfort allows the driver to concentrate better.

4. Proof of Compliance with Regulations

Wearing a seatbelt is not only a matter of safety, but also a form of legal compliance. Remember, not wearing a seatbelt = prone to getting a ticket.

The Negative Impact of Damaged or Neglected Seatbelts

• Increased risk of injury → without a seatbelt, your body is free to be thrown around during a collision.
• Fined by the police → too lazy to wear a seatbelt? Be prepared to pay a fine.
• Reduced focus → neglecting your seatbelt is the same as neglecting proper driving.

When Should You Replace Your Seatbelt?

Seatbelts also have a lifespan. There are several signs that indicate this component is no longer suitable for use:

• The belt feels brittle and fragile.
• The pull is no longer flexible.
• The buckle is rusty, making it difficult to fasten/unfasten.
• There are obvious tears that reduce its functionality.

If you find any of these signs, don't delay. Immediately replace the seatbelt at an authorized repair shop to stay safe and comfortable on the road.

Conclusion

Seatbelts are not additional accessories, but vital components for safety. A damaged seatbelt is as dangerous as speeding without brakes. So, make it a habit to always wear a seatbelt every time you drive, and don't forget to check its condition regularly.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Wajib Tahu! Fungsi Sabuk Pengaman dan Tanda Harus Diganti

Sabuk pengaman sering dianggap sepele. Ada yang merasa ribet, sempit, atau bikin gerah. Padahal, komponen satu ini bukan cuma soal aturan lalu lintas, tapi benar-benar bisa jadi penyelamat hidup. Bahkan, kewajiban pakai seatbelt udah diatur jelas dalam UU No. 22 Tahun 2009 Pasal 57 Ayat 3. Jadi, kalau nekat melanggar, siap-siap kena tilang plus risiko nyawa di jalan.

Lebih parah lagi kalau sabuk pengaman sudah rusak tapi tetap dibiarkan. Itu sama saja seperti sengaja mengundang bahaya.

Fungsi Vital Sabuk Pengaman

1. Mengurangi Risiko Cedera Kecelakaan

Seatbelt menahan tubuh dari benturan keras saat kecelakaan. Bahkan dengan adanya airbag, efektivitasnya bakal berkurang kalau sabuk pengaman nggak dipakai.

2. Lindungi Kepala & Badan

Fungsinya mirip helm buat bikers. Sabuk pengaman bantu cegah kepala terbentur kemudi sekaligus menahan tubuh biar tetap di posisi ideal.

3. Tambah Nyaman & Fokus

Posisi duduk jadi lebih tegap, tangan di kemudi pas, dan mata lebih fokus lihat jalan. Kenyamanan ini bikin pengemudi lebih konsentrasi.

4. Bukti Taat Aturan

Pakai seatbelt bukan cuma soal keselamatan, tapi juga wujud kepatuhan hukum. Ingat, nggak pakai seatbelt = rawan kena tilang.

Dampak Buruk Kalau Seatbelt Rusak atau Diabaikan

• Risiko cedera meningkat → tanpa seatbelt, tubuh bebas terhantam saat benturan.
• Kena tilang polisi → malas pasang seatbelt? Siap-siap keluar duit buat bayar denda.
• Fokus berkurang → abai seatbelt sama aja dengan abai sama cara mengemudi yang benar.

Kapan Harus Ganti Sabuk Pengaman?

Seatbelt juga punya masa pakai. Ada beberapa tanda kalau komponen ini udah nggak layak dipakai:

• Sabuk terasa getas dan rapuh.
• Tarikannya nggak lentur lagi.
• Buckle berkarat, bikin susah dipasang/ dilepas.
• Ada bagian sobek yang jelas bikin fungsinya berkurang.

Kalau sudah menemukan tanda-tanda ini, jangan ditunda. Segera ganti seatbelt di bengkel resmi biar tetap aman dan nyaman di jalan.

Kesimpulan

Sabuk pengaman bukan aksesori tambahan, tapi komponen vital buat keselamatan. Rusaknya seatbelt sama berbahayanya dengan ngebut tanpa rem. Jadi, biasakan selalu pakai sabuk pengaman setiap kali berkendara, dan jangan lupa cek kondisinya secara rutin.