Chevrolet Silverado

Seat Belts

This section describes how to use seat belts properly, and some things not to do.

Warning: Do not let anyone ride where a seat belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passengers are not wearing seat belts, injuries can be much worse. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting objects inside the vehicle or by being ejected. Unbuckled passengers can also strike others. Never ride in cargo areas without proper seats and belts.

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the seat belts. See Seat Belt Reminders.

Why Seat Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you continue until something stops you. Seat belts slow you and the vehicle together over a longer distance, applying force to your strongest bones for protection.

Questions and Answers About Seat Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a seat belt?

A: Your chance of remaining conscious and able to unbuckle is much greater if belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I wear seat belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental. They work with seat belts, not instead of them. Laws require seat belts in nearly all states and provinces.

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly

Follow these rules for everyone's protection. For children, see Older Children or Infants and Young Children. Sit up straight, keep feet on the floor, use the correct buckle, and wear the lap belt low and snug on hips.

Warning: Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest or under plastic trim. Pinched belts may not provide protection.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions have a lap-shoulder belt. To wear properly:

  1. Adjust the seat to sit up straight.
  2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you without twisting.
  3. Let the belt retract slightly if it locks, then pull slowly.
  4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks; pull to ensure it is secure.
  5. Tighten the lap belt by pulling the shoulder belt up.
  6. To unlatch, press the buckle button and let the belt retract slowly.

Before closing a door, ensure the belt is not obstructed. Rapid retraction may lock the webbing; pull firmly to unlock if needed.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

Front outboard seats have pretensioners that tighten belts in moderate to severe crashes. They work once; replacement is needed after activation.

Do not sit on seat belts while entering, exiting, or seated to avoid damage.

Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides

Comfort guides position the shoulder belt away from the neck and head for older children or some adults. Available through your dealer.

Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should wear lap-shoulder belts, with the lap portion low over the hips, to protect both mother and fetus.

Seat Belt Extender

Use an extender only if the belt does not fit properly. Extenders are designed for adults and specific seating positions. Never use for child restraints.

Safety System Check

Periodically check belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, adjusters, and anchorages. Replace torn, frayed, or damaged belts immediately.

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