When you go on a drive, you typically check to make sure you have enough gas in the car, your engine is running correctly and you’re ready to go. But are you guilty of forgetting to do one of the simplest and most critically important actions that can save your life?
There were nearly 600 car accident fatalities in Alabama in 2017. Unfortunately, according to reports, most of the victims were not wearing seat belts. This is consistent with the latest national data which, unfortunately, reports that 48% of people who died in car accidents were not wearing seat belts.
Due to these unsettling statistics, Alabama Law Enforcement agencies are urging drivers and passengers alike to buckle up.
You may think that not wearing a seat belt is no big deal. That if you are just going for a short drive, you’re at little risk. Or that if you are involved in a serious accident, buckling up won’t do anything to save you.
But taking two seconds to buckle your seat belt can save your life. Here’s proof.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 55%. In fact, nearly 15,000 lives were saved in 2016 because drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts.
But what happens if you don’t wear your seat belt?
Choosing not to buckle up can have serious consequences. Without having the protection of a seat belt, you significantly increase your chances of being thrown out of the car, which can have serious and even fatal consequences.
Why Not Wearing a Seat Belt Can Be a Deadly Decision
- Those who do not wear seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle at the time of the crash.
- More than 75% of people who are ejected from their cars during a crash die from the injuries they sustained.
Who is Least Likely to Buckle Up?
Did you know that almost 30 million people across the United States do not wear seat belts? Let’s look at a snapshot of those who are least likely to wear a seat belt.
- Young adults who are 18-24-years-old are less likely to wear seat belts than any other age group.
- Adults who live in rural areas are less likely to wear seat belts than those in urban areas.
- Men are less likely to wear seat belts than women.
Why Take the Chance? Buckle Up.
As the risk of accidents has increased due to serious distractions such as texting while driving, and with many significant threats on the road, such as drunk drivers, one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is simple—wear your seat belt.
Even if it’s a short drive, or you think it’s “cooler” not to wear it, there is nothing cool about having a serious or fatal injury from a car accident.
Think about your brother, sister, parents, cousins and friends. How would you feel if they were involved in a serious accident and could have been saved, if only they wore a seat belt? It’s not worth the risk.
What You Need to Keep in Mind to Keep Yourself & Passengers Safe
- Make sure seat belts are on correctly – shoulder belt across your chest, away from your neck, lap belt across your hips. Never place the shoulder belt behind your arm.
- Do not start the car if passengers and not wearing seat belts. Wait until they are on to drive.
- Set a good example for children by always wearing a seat belt.
- Always wear a seat belt, even if it’s a short trip. Most accidents occur 25 miles from home, at speed limits less than 40 mph.
- It’s against the law to not wear a seat belt as a driver in Alabama. Passengers 15 years or younger must always wear a seat belt according to the law. However, you should always wear a seat belt, regardless of age.
Your Local Lawyers Are Here to Help.
If you or a loved one are seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call the experienced Montgomery Car Accident Attorneys at Floyd Hunter at 334-452-4000.
When you call, you’ll receive a FREE case evaluation by an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer. There is never an attorney’s fee due upfront and we don’t get paid until you do. It’s that simple.
We will fight to protect your right to the fair insurance settlement that you deserve for your car accident claim. Call Floyd Hunter Injury Law for a Free Legal Consultation at 334-452-4000.
Call Floyd Hunter Injury Law, because the right lawyers make a real difference.
