Seat Belt Statistics – The Good and The Bad

You’ve been told your whole life to “buckle up” after getting into a vehicle and before hitting the road. You likely heard it from your parents or other family members, and you have definitely heard it from local police officers and prominent leaders.

If you’ve ever stopped to question whether using a seat belt is really necessary, you aren’t alone. Some find seat belts just downright uncomfortable! Fortunately, there has been plenty of information collected about car accidents at seat belt use to help you makeup your mind about seat belts.

Here are a few seat belt statistics — the good and the bad.

First off, the CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for those between the age one and 54 years old. In 2015, more than 22,000 people in vehicles died in car crashes. More than half of those who died were not using a seat belt.

Studies have shown that when it comes to moderate-to-critical injuries, those who wear seat belts reduce their risk of injury by 50 percent. Fatal injuries are also reduced by 45 percent.

Seat belts also work to keep passengers restrained in the vehicle, which is an important function as being ejected from a vehicle drastically increases the odds of fatality. The NHTSA reports that in 2008, 77 percent of accidents reported in fatality when the occupant was ejected from the vehicle.

So what about those who think seat belts are a waste of time? One argument is that wearing a seat belt may give drivers a sense of false safety, making them take risks they might not otherwise take. This would, in theory, increase likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Drivers should know the risks of operating a vehicle when they get inside. Cars can be dangerous, whether you are buckled up or not. Just because you’re wearing a seat belt doesn’t mean you are invincible. Use a seat belt as an added safety measure, along with defensive driving skills and basic safety.

In order to keep you safe, seat belts also need to be worn properly. When improperly used, they may do more harm than good. Be sure to sit properly in your vehicle’s seat, and make sure the seat belt fits you snugly and securely.

The truth is, seat belts can reduce serious crash-related injuries and death by about half, according to the CDC. Seat belts save lives. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that since 1975, seat belts have saved nearly 300,000 lives! Use caution and use them correctly, but do use your seat belt.

If you’ve been in an accident, whether a minor car accident or something more serious, follow your accident checklist and then contact your auto accident attorney. Don’t have one?

If you’re looking for an accident injury law firm in the Taylorsville area that can help with a worker’s compensation investigation checklist (among  many other things) contact Cockayne Law. With an auto accident attorney, you can get the help you need to get on your feet, stress and worry-free! </span