Buckling up is the first thing you should do when you get behind the wheel, as statistics show that seat belts really save lives says Philadelphia car accident lawyer Rand Spear.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), seat belts saved an estimated 13,941 lives in 2015 alone. Although 88.5 percent of Americans wear their seat belts, there are still 27.5 million people who don’t, reports Rand Spear Philadelphia car accident lawyer.
The DOT points out that it’s also important for parents to buckle up around their kids, as children mimic what they see their parents do. Data reveals that child restraint drops by 40 percent when parents don’t wear their seat belts.
Important Seat Belt Stats
To get an idea of just how important seat belts are, you need only look at the statistics.
- The use of lap and shoulder belts has been shown to lower the risk of fatalities in all states.
- Seat belts reduce the risk of injury for front seat passengers by 45 percent.
- Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people in the first three decades of life.
- Of the 21,667 people killed in car accidents in 2012, just 9,679 were wearing seat belts.
- Seat belt use is higher in states where not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense (meaning police can stop a motorist for not wearing a seat belt rather than only stopping the person when they have committed another offense along with not wearing their seat belt).
- Teen drivers are the least likely to buckle up among all age groups.
- Teen drivers also have the highest accident rate of any other age demographic.
In Pennsylvania, seat belt use falls under secondary enforcement for drivers and occupants over age 18 and those riding in the front. For those under 18, it’s a primary offense. In New Jersey, failure to wear a seat belt is a primary offense for drivers and occupants of all ages as long as they’re in the front seat. The law is secondary for those in rear seats.
Don’t Like Wearing Your Seat Belt? You Can Fix That!
Philadelphia car accident lawyer Rand Spear states, “Sometimes, people say they dislike wearing their seat belt because it’s uncomfortable. If your seat belt rubs against your neck or doesn’t fit you properly due to your height, there are products you can buy to make your seat belt more comfortable. Shoulder pads and seat belt extenders can help you get a proper fit that keeps you safe while ensuring a comfortable ride. If you purchase any of these products, just make sure they have been safety certified. You can usually ask your local police department to look them over and help you install them to make sure they work properly in your vehicle.”
Have you been injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence? Don’t wait to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case. Protect your rights by calling Philadelphia and New Jersey personal injury lawyer Rand Spear today at 877-GET-RAND.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
