There used to be a time when people were unsure of the benefits of wearing a seat belt. However, in today’s world, there is no gray area. It’s important to wear your seat belt 100 percent of the time, regardless of where you are traveling or the type of car you are driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 37,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2017. Of these people, 47 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Furthermore, it’s estimated that seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives that same year.
Here are some seat belt safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always buckle up: In short, your seat belt can’t save your life if you’re not wearing it. Even if you’re only driving one mile, buckle up before you put your car in drive.
- Wear it the right way: It’s not good enough to wear a seat belt. You need to do it the right way, which means the lap belt should be across your pelvis and the shoulder belt across your rib cage.
- Make sure it works: If you suspect a defective seat belt, take your vehicle to a local dealer for service. You can also contact your manufacturer for additional information.
Although your seat belt has the potential to save your life, it won’t completely protect you if you are involved in a serious car or truck accident.
If you suffer an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, seek medical treatment and follow through with doctor’s orders. You should also learn more about your legal rights, as there are steps you can take to obtain compensation for your injuries, property damage and other losses.