Final answer:
The shoulder part of your seatbelt should rest across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not too loose or too tight, and away from the neck. Adjust the height using the adjuster on the pillar for the best fit to reduce the risk of injury, especially to the pectoral girdle, in case of an accident.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shoulder part of your seatbelt should fit properly to ensure safety and comfort. It is critical that the seatbelt is not too loose or too tight across the chest. Ideally, the seatbelt should lie across the middle of the chest and away from the neck, without cutting into the shoulder. It should also not be twisted, as this could reduce its effectiveness in the event of a collision.
To adjust the seatbelt for the proper fit, most vehicles have a seatbelt height adjuster located on the pillar that the seatbelt is attached to. This allows you to move the point where the seatbelt comes off the pillar up or down to accommodate different heights and body sizes. The goal is to have the seatbelt snug against your body without causing discomfort. If the seatbelt is rubbing against your neck or feels uncomfortable, it's a sign that it needs to be adjusted. In case of an accident, a correctly fitted seatbelt distributes the forces from the collision across the chest and pelvis, which are some of the body's stronger areas. A poorly positioned seatbelt can increase the risk of injury, including pectoral girdle injuries, which could occur from a strong blow to the shoulder or a hard fall. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the seatbelt is worn properly every time you drive or ride in a vehicle.