How Safe Are Seat Belts?
In most states, wearing a seat belt is state law. It is also an effective way to save lives and reduce bodily injury in an automobile related accident. Wearing a seat belt is part of driving safely.
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Safety
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Wearing a seat belt can save your life. According to the National Safety Council, seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008. The council further reports that 42 percent of the passengers killed in 2007 were not wearing a seat belt. It is a good idea to buckle up before driving.
Significance
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Seat belts are your first defense against injury. "Seat belts are your first line of defense against injuries or death," according to Ricardo Martinez, an administrator at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. When you do not wear your seat belt, chances increase that you'll be thrown against the dashboard and steering wheel during an accident.
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Considerations
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Properly fit your seat belt. Making sure your seat belt is worn properly is important. The belt should go across your chest and over the top part of your shoulder. Never wear the shoulder strap portion of your seat belt across your stomach. Instead, adjust the belt so that the lap portion of the belt is worn snugly along the lower part of your pelvis.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit seat belt receptacle image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com Coche accidentado image by quicolopez from Fotolia.com luxury car - model toy car image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com man driving car image by palms from Fotolia.com
