We live in a world today where undisclosed product features go completely unnoticed. Take cars: there are any number of features whose purposes are lost even to longtime drivers. A viral TikTok video (posted by @epiccfacts) has called attention to one such feature: the button on your seat belt. The use is as simple as it is eye-opening: people are realising they might have been driving around in their cars without ever understanding a fundamental aspect of them.
The TikTok Seat belt Revelation
The TikTok poses in the video answers a question I always caught myself looking at – why does every seat belt in the car have this mysterious button? The video gives the logic behind the seat belt clicker’s existence. The buckle has a slot that the button prevents from sliding past it. This way, the seat belt buckle is always in the right place for the drivers to clip the belt in.1
Viewers’ reactions in the comments section fell into one of two schools of awareness: ‘I could never have thought of that seat belt thing! Mind. Blown.!’ versus: ‘You’re kidding – you didn’t know you could do that with a car?’ Following the video, social media networks became full of debate over general awareness of what was for many people a fairly basic automotive feature.
Divided Opinions on seat belt KnowledgeWhile the TikTok video brought attention to a previously overlooked aspect of seat belt design, opinions on its common knowledge status are divided. Some individuals, as seen in the comments, were surprised by the revelation, stating, “Not me passing that button so many times.” On the flip side, there were those who asserted that knowledge of the seat belt button was widespread, with one commenter noting, “I thought we all knew about the seat belt”.2
The Seat Belt’s Vital Role
Amidst the social media discourse on the seat belt button, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of seat belts in general. Seat belts are paramount in ensuring survival during a crash. In 2021, half of all passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt. Over the years, seat belts have been estimated to have saved over 374,00 lives from 1975 to 2017.3
The TikTok revelation serves as a reminder of the intricate features present in our vehicles, often overlooked or misunderstood. While some may debate the common knowledge of the seat belt button, the overarching message remains clear: buckle up for safety. Seat belts are not just a mundane accessory; they are instrumental in preventing fatalities in road accidents. As a community, it is vital to promote the habit of consistently wearing seat belts, as emphasized by the campaign #ClickItOrTicket.
The Road to Awareness
The TikTok video revelation has stirred conversation and reflection among drivers about the complexities of their vehicles. Whether or not the purpose of the seat belt button was common knowledge, the broader takeaway is the need for continual education on vehicle safety features. Understanding these elements not only enhances our driving experience but also contributes to the collective effort to reduce road fatalities. As we navigate the roads, let us remember the significance of buckling up for our safety and the safety of those around us.