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It has been more than half-a-century that public relations campaigns, legislation and advertising pitches by the U.S. Department of Transportation and auto makers have been attempting to persuade Americans to fasten their seat belts when getting into their vehicles. According to the department’s statistics 88.5 percent of Americans do fasten their seat belts. Although the figure 11.5 percent not using seat belts may seem small, it translates into almost 25 million people. 

Since 1968 seat belts have been standard equipment in passenger cars. At first, usage was low, but in the 1980s states began to set mandatory seat belt laws. The first seat belt law was passed in New York in 1984. Within two years authorities observed that seat belt use rose from 14 percent to 37 percent. At the end of the 1990s seat belt use was above 70 percent, according to Consumer Reports. 

Statistics prove that seat belts save lives. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports using lap and shoulder belts reduces the risk of critical injuries and death by 50 percent. When seat belts are used by front seat passengers, the risk of death is reduced by 45 percent. Being ejected from a vehicle is less likely to happen when drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts. People who do not wear seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected during a crash. 

Car accidents are the leading cause of death among those aged 5 to 34 in the United States, according to the CDC which indicates that the most reliable method of saving lives and preventing injuries from occurring is to wear a seat belt. The CDC reports a total of 21,022 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2014 many were unrestrained at the time of the crash. 

State seat belt laws 

Many states handle seat belt enforcement differently. For most states (including Florida), not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense. This means that a driver or passenger can be pulled over solely for not wearing a seat belt. In 17 states, failure to wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle is a secondary offense. This means that police officers and other law enforcement officials can only pull over motorists after they have committed a primary offense such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light.  One state (New Hampshire) has no adult seat belt law.

“Should you be injured in an accident where another driver is at fault, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. 

Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.