Many people simply accept that seat belts save lives but have never seen any actual evidence that this is the case. As a law firm that has helped many car accident victims, and has worked with the families of those involved in fatal accidents, we can tell you that seat belts do in fact save lives.
You don’t have to take our word for it though – keep reading to learn about a recent study on the topic. If you or a loved one has suffered in an accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation at your convenience.
Understanding How Seat Belts Save Lives
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt usage is higher than it has ever been before. In fact, 90% of people throughout the country use their seat belts, compared to around 88% who used them in 2015. They save lives in several ways, including by keeping passengers within the vehicle after an accident and preventing said passengers from being thrown throughout the vehicle.
Nearly 350,000 Lives Have Been Saved by Seat Belts
According to a study by the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, since 1975 about 345,000 people’s lives have been saved by seat belts. Note that set belts were actually invented in the middle of the 19th century but it was not until the late 1960s that they become standard in passenger vehicles. Even then, they were often not used. It was only when states starting passing laws in 1984 that required seat belt use that it became much more common.
Studies show that about 15,000 people avoid being involved in fatal accidents by wearing a seat belt. Seat belts not only reduce the chance of death by half in the event of an accident, but they can also help prevent catastrophic injuries altogether.
There is Room for Improvement
It’s easy to look at 90% seat belt usage and believe that the work is done but truly that number should be 100%. It is a simple, painless thing to do, to buckle a seat belt. It can save lives and prevent serious injuries. There is no reason that we should accept less than 100% usage. There is no question that states with strict seat belts laws have higher usage than states with looser laws.
Wear Your Seat Belt Every Time
The best advice you can get to prevent serious injuries in a car accident is to always wear a seat belt. However, you cannot prevent all accidents or all injuries. If you have suffered an injury in an accident, we strongly recommend contacting a personal injury attorney to find out what your options are. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation.
