Aircraft Safety Restraints
Safety Restraints Passengers aboard airline carriers are subjected to turbulent forces experienced in air travel which can result with injury or death. The use of safety restraints reduces the risk of injuries and increases survivability of aircraft occupants. Clear air turbulence is the leading cause of injuries during flight and studies have concluded that the proper wear of aircraft restraints may have prevented many serious injuries and saved lives (Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Turbulence, n. ... The importance of restraints is clear as the Federal Aviation Administration has created regulations to mandate their use for both adults and children. Also, adequate maintenance and repair of restraints is essential to ensure effectiveness. The proper use of functioning safety restraints by passengers on commercial airlines is the best protection against turbulence. ... One third of the fatalities may have been prevented by the proper wear of restraints. Each year approximately 58 passengers in the United States are injured due to turbulence while not secured by safety restraints. ... Of those 80 passengers seriously injured, 73 were not utilizing their safety restraints while the fasten seat belt sign was illuminated. ... Safety Restraints 3 Another case recorded by the FAA was on August 29, 1996 - USAir - 737-300: During cruise at 35,000 feet the airplane encountered severe turbulence for about 11 seconds in visual conditions with the seatbelt signs off. ... Clear air turbulence is unpredictable and the only safeguard a passenger has is the safety restraint provided. Although the fasten seat belt sign may not be illuminated for the length of a flight, it is recommended that they be worn since most passengers that were injured during turbulence were not wearing their restraints.