Study Reveals Shockingly Low Seat Belt Usage across United States

April 4, 2017

In 2010, the federal government set a target of 92 percent regarding seat belt usage among American drivers and vehicle passengers. However, a new study by University of Washington researchers has confirmed that drivers and passengers alike continue to fall short of this goal.

Nationally, the study found that 85.9 percent of Americans regularly wear their seat belts, leaving roughly 14 percent of drivers that do not. The unbelted make up roughly half of all motor vehicle fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Even though drivers and passengers across the United States are still below the target percentage, you can help improve seat belt use in various ways, including:

• Establishing a seat belt rule when anyone else is using or riding in your car
• Promote seat belt usage when in someone else’s car
• Do not turn the key until everyone is buckled up
• Explain that in a crash, an unrestrained body can also hurt others in the car

Wearing your seat belt can save your life, as well as help reduce your chances of sustaining injury in an accident. The NHTSA has estimated that lap and shoulder seat belts, when used properly, can help reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent, while reducing the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

Unfortunately, even when you take the proper safety precautions, accidents still can and do occur. If you or someone you love was injured or even killed in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence by not wearing their seat belt, an experienced auto accident attorney can help. The entire team at the Karl Truman Law Office will work tirelessly for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.

To schedule your initial consultation, give our office a call at 812-282-8500. We are proud to serve clients in the Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana communities.