What Impact Do Seatbelts Really Have?
What Impact Do Seatbelts Really Have?
Most of us wear our seat belts today without much fuss. If safety wasn’t a concern, putting that seat belt on was still a better alternative to the constant nagging of the incessant warning bells.
Compliance, however, is saving lives, and in significant numbers. In addition to saving lives, serious injuries have also been reduced through the increased use of seat belts.
Although seat belts were available in vehicles years prior, Federal law mandated that they be placed in the seating positions of all vehicles in 1968. Some states didn’t mandate their use until decades later. In California, for example, seat belts weren’t required to be worn until 1986. One state, New Hampshire, still doesn’t require their use for adults.
The facts, however, seem to speak for themselves. Starting in 1966 and for 8 straight years, traffic deaths in the United States reached over 50,000 annually. In 1972 and 1973, they peaked at over 54,000 each year. Since then, however, almost a half-century, deaths have only exceeded 50,000 in three of those years. Not since 1980 have we had a year with 50,000 or more traffic fatalities. In recent years, deaths routinely range in the 32,000-37,000. This, of course, is still far too many, but it is significantly better than where we were headed, even with more drivers on the road.
While seat belts have not been the sole contributing factors in these reductions, better equipment, airbags and other safety features have played a role, seat belts have had a significant impact. Studies show that when the driver and front seat passenger use a safety belt, the risk of death is reduced by 45%. The risk of serious injury drops even a bit further at 50%.
The facts are in. Seatbelts and other car safety features save lives. If you are not encouraging your family to use them regularly, you may be putting them at unnecessary risk, and may even be contributing to increasing auto insurance rates.
When you contact one of our independent automobile insurance specialist, we will connect with our network of insurance companies to compare rates and coverage. You just may be paying too much and not even know it. Connect with us today for your free auto insurance quote.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
The Wanderer’s Playbook: The Art of Traveling on a Budget
A practical guide to finding and saving money on travel adventures.
The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: From Startup to Success, Insuring Every Step of the Journey
A phase-by-phase guide for entrepreneurs on the essential business insurance policies they need.
Beyond a Payout: How Life Insurance is a Living Financial Tool
A guide to how life insurance can be a living financial tool, with a focus on its cash value component.
The Driver’s Playbook: How to Maximize Your Auto Insurance Benefits
A playbook for drivers, revealing key policy benefits and strategies to get the most from your auto insurance.
Beyond the Big House: Uncovering the Hidden Value in Home Insurance
A deep dive into the valuable but often overlooked components of a home insurance policy.
The Thrill of the Grill: A Masterclass in BBQ Perfection
An ultimate guide to mastering grilling and barbecue, with tips, techniques, and delicious recipes.
The Entrepreneur’s Armor: A Guide to Protecting Your Business
A crucial guide to business insurance, covering essential policies and strategies for entrepreneurs.
The Gift of Security: A Simple Guide to Life Insurance
An easy-to-understand guide to life insurance, explaining policy types and a simple way to calculate your needs.
Hitting the Road Safely: Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy
A simple guide to auto insurance, explaining coverage, premiums, and tips for finding the best policy.
The Homeowner’s Handbook: Protecting Your Property and Peace of Mind
A clear guide to home insurance, covering policy types, inventory tips, and how to save money.