Seat belts are a critical factor in the safety of drivers and passengers in automobiles. Properly using seat belts can help reduce the risk of injury or death in traffic accidents. Various organizations conduct research to display the importance of seat belt usage, and track drivers’ seat belt usage patterns.
.Seat Belt Usage
Figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have shown an increase in seat belt usage since 2008. In 2008 83 percent of drivers (and 90 percent of drivers who routinely drive on an expressway) reported using their seat belts on a consistent basis.
Safety Information
Seat belts can play a vital role in saving lives during traffic accidents. According to Car-accidents.com, 63 percent of people who are killed in traffic accidents were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. Individuals between the ages of 16 to 25 are least likely to use their safety belts and be injured in accidents. Between the years 2004 to 2008, seat belts have helped save 75,000 lives of people who were involved in traffic accidents.
Other Information
Seat belts are meant to be used in conjunction with air bags to give occupants the best chance of survival during traffic accidents. Occupants who are not wearing the safety belt can rapidly be thrown forward into the inflating air bag, which can cause permanent and harmful injury. When using a seat belt, be sure that the shoulder strap is secure across your pelvis and rib cage. If the seat belt doesn’t fit correctly, adjust it before beginning the trip.
