Seat Belts Save Lives
The national use rate of a seat belt was at 90.7% in 2019 according to NHTSA – why is this so important?
Because “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S” and seatbelts are the number one way to prevent death in an accident. According to the National Safety Council “In 2017, seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives.”
You should buckle your seat belt no matter how long the drive is. “Drivers and passengers who buckle up are 45% less likely to die and 50% less likely to be moderately injured in a crash”.
These numbers do not lie, wearing a seatbelt is crucial! So, who is not wearing a seat belt?
Those least likely to were a seatbelt include (CDC):
- Teens or young adults
- Men are less likely than women
- Adults who live in rural places
- Those who live in states with lower seatbelt laws
- Rear seat passengers
Wearing Your Seat belt Correctly
It is important EVERYONE makes using a seat belt a habit. It is also important to wear it correctly. Here are specific guidelines by the National Highway Traffic Administration:
- The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
- The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
- NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
Parents have the responsibility to teach their children these habits so that when they’re old enough to drive themselves around it is second nature. Follow these three tips by the NHTSA:
- Consistently Model Seat Belt Safety.
- Never give up until they buckle up
- Never assume your kids are buckled up
Buckle up no matter what – Your life depends on it!
Contact: Glisson Law