According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website, the use of seat belts is at its highest levels since the first studies in 1994. Seat belt use saves thousands of lives and prevents thousands more serious injuries every year. Why are so many people smartening up and how much difference does it make?
How Did America Get Seat Belt-Smart — and Who is Still Not Getting It?
It may be surprising if using a seat belt is a habit for you personally, but it has actually taken decades of concerted effort to get seat belt use up over 90%, where it is today. It was not until 1984 that the first seat belt law went into effect and years of lobbying efforts have lead to 49 out of 50 states have now made seat belt use mandatory for adults. Further, 30 out of 50 states have what are called “primary” seat belt laws, meaning law enforcement can pull over a vehicle for a seat belt infraction, alone. Thus, these laws, along with stronger along with awareness programs and simple self-preservation, has been a great success.
Despite those efforts, who is most likely to still not buckle up? According to the Center for Disease Control, these groups include:
- Adults between 18-24 are less likely to use safety belts
- Men
- Adults in non-metropolitan areas
- States with weaker seat belt laws
- Those that sit in the back seat of a vehicle
And How Much Safer Are You With a Seat Belt on?
The numbers are pretty straightforward. According to the CDC, again:
- Using seat belts doubles your chances of surviving an accident
- Seat belts saved nearly 14,000 lives in 2015.
- Air bags are great but they do not act as a substitute for seat belts. “Air bags plus seat belts provide the greatest protection for adults”
Talk to an Experienced Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney Now.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, hopefully, you had a seat belt on, but you still may have been injured. If so, you should not wait to contact an attorney experienced in auto safety and auto accidents. Contact attorney Gabriel Levin with The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers today to talk about your options. Call us at (215) 825-5183 and so we can learn about your accident and how we can help.