Posted on Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 12:07 am
Seat belts save lives! Even though there have been numerous studies showing that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury and death in a car accident, many people still do not wear their seat belts. According to Chris Caruso from Automotive Safety Counseling, the United States has the lowest rate of seat belt use in the developed world. From 1975 through 2014, wearing seat belts saved 330,507 lives; however, another 378,983 lives would have been saved if everyone wore a seat belt.
One contributing factor to the number of lives lost is the fact that many passengers in the back seat do not wear seat belts. Approximately 22 percent of passengers riding in the back seat do not buckle up. Fifty-five percent of the back seat passengers who died in motor vehicle accidents in 2013 were not wearing their seat belts. The US DOT estimates people who do not wear seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a collision.
Even though California’s seat belt laws require all occupants of a vehicle buckle up, people continue to ignore the law. Possibly one reason people do not wear seat belts is they convince themselves they are safer in the backseat so they do not need to wear their seat belt.
What Are the Five Most Dangerous Lies People Believe About Wearing Seat belts?
In addition to believing the back seat is safer in a car crash, people use other excuses to avoid wearing a seat belt.
Consumer Reports published an article discussing five dangerous lies people believe about wearing seat belts. Each of the following beliefs are dangerous, especially if you use one or more of these arguments to justify not wearing your seat belt every time you are in a car regardless of whether you are driving, in the front seat, or in the back seat.
Do you tell yourself:
- It is safer if I do not to wear a seat belt because I will be thrown clear of the car if I am in a car crash.
- I only need to buckle up when I am on the highway because most crashes occur at high speeds. I am safe not buckling up if I only drive a short distance.
- My car’s airbags are enough protection in a car accident.
- It could be dangerous if I am trapped by my seat belt if my car goes into a river, stream, or other body of water.
- I can brace myself against the dashboard or steering wheel in the event of a collision.
If you use one of the above “lies” to convince yourself it is okay not to wear your seat belt, read the truth here.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you have been hurt in a car crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Our car accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and skills you need when you battle a large insurance company to receive what is rightfully yours under California’s personal injury laws.
Contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free case evaluation with a Sacramento car accident attorney.
