November 14 marks National Seat Belt Day, honoring the invention of the three-point safety belt, a simple yet lifesaving feature found in every modern car. While vehicles today boast advanced safety and driver-assistance systems, buckling your seat belt remains one of the most effective ways to stay protected on the road.
“The seat belt is the most essential safety feature we have. It can mean the difference between life and death,” says Regina Carto, Vice President of Global Product Safety at General Motors (GM). To reinforce this habit, GM integrates features that promote consistent seat belt use.
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One such innovation is Buckle to Drive, standard on most 2024 and 2025 GM models. This system prevents the driver from shifting out of Park for 20 seconds—or until seat belts are buckled. If a front passenger is present, their seat belt must also be secured. Designed to make buckling up second nature, Buckle to Drive works seamlessly with GM’s Teen Driver technology, automatically activating for designated keys to help protect young drivers.
Rear passengers are also encouraged to buckle up with GM’s Rear Seat Belt Reminder, which displays an icon on the instrument cluster showing who’s buckled in, including those in the third row on equipped vehicles. If a passenger unbuckles while driving, a red X and chime alert the driver.
Carto underscores the teamwork between seat belts and airbags: “If you’re not properly positioned in the seat, airbags have a harder time protecting you. Seat belts maximize your chances of survival.”
With a personal passion for safety, Carto reflects on its impact: “My son, an orthopedic surgeon, sees car crash victims regularly. He tells me, based on their injuries, whether they were wearing a seat belt. It makes such a difference.”
As GM continues advancing vehicle safety features, the focus remains clear: safety starts with your seat belt.
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