According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2016 seat belts saved the lives of nearly 15,000 people. Wearing a seat belt can make a huge difference when you are involved in a potentially fatal accident. Below, we acknowledge the power a seat belt truly has:
- In 2016, almost 50% of people killed in automobile accidents were not wearing their seat belt.
- Buckling up can keep you from being fully ejected from a vehicle in the event of an accident.
- Buckling up in the front seat of a vehicle can reduce your risk of fatal injuries by 45 percent.
- Air bags are designed to work WITH seat belts, not on their own. The force of an air bag on you when you are not buckled can result in serious injuries.
- Wearing your seat belt improperly can also leave you injured. Make sure that the lap belt is secure across your hips and the shoulder belt is secure across your chest. Never put the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
- According to the CDC, an estimated 328 lives of children under age 5 were saved by their use of restraints in 2016.
For more information on the safety of seat belts, visit here.
