Seat belt Safety Facts and Statistics
Decades ago, there was a seat belt ad that said, “Clunk, Click. Even on the shortest trips.” The message was clear: Even if you’re just dashing down the street, your seat belt can save your life.
These days, most people know seat belts protect us as we drive and ride.
But just how effective are they? First, let’s look at some Texas crash statistics.
- One person was killed every 1 hour 57 minutes
- One person was injured every 2 minutes and 12 seconds
- Fatalities from accidents increased by 4.17% since 2020
- One reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds
- There were no deathless days on Texas roadways
Every time Texans venture out on the road, they take a calculated risk. It’s an unavoidable risk for most, but the consistent use of a seat belt can lessen it.
Seat belt Safety Statistics
The national use rate of seat belts is around 92%. While awareness is high, we can always do better. Friends and family who are averse to wearing seat belts might be interested in the following seat belt safety statistics.
According to the United States Department of Transportation:
- 51% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020 were unrestrained
- In 2017 alone, seat belts saved approximately 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 had they been wearing their seat belts
- Buckling up in the front seat helps reduce your risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%
- Buckling up in a light truck can reduce your risk of fatal injury by 60% and moderate to critical injury by 65%
- More than 75% of people who are ejected during a fatal crash die from their injuries
- Only 1% of people ejected during a collision were wearing a seat belt
Seat belt Safety Facts
It’s easy to assume we know everything about seat belts. After all, most of us have been using them our entire lives! But even something as commonplace as a seat belt can have some surprising facts up its sleeve.
- The force of an airbag can seriously injure or kill you if you aren’t buckled up
- Putting your seat belt strap beneath your arm puts you at risk in a collision
- The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach
- 49 out of 50 states have a seat belt law
- 10,893 unbuckled passengers died in 2020
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans aged 1-54
Seat belt Safety Truth or Fiction
Seat belts are something we take for granted and often overlook. As such, it’s easy to accept some common myths and misconceptions.
-Myth: I don’t need to wear my seat belt if I have an airbag.
-Truth: Airbags are meant to work alongside your seat belt, not replace it.
-Myth: My seat belt will trap me if I end up submerged in water.
-Truth: Being submerged underwater is extremely unlikely. But you can’t escape anything if you’re unconscious. Your seat belt is your best bet for remaining conscious in any circumstance.
-Myth: I don’t need my seat belt if I’m going a short distance or traveling at a low speed.
-Truth: Most fatal crashes happen within 25 miles of home and involve speeds of less than 40 miles per hour.
A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Being prepared is good, but not all car accidents can be avoided. If you or a loved one were injured in an auto accident, a Texas personal injury attorney can help. Give Thompson Law a call today to discuss your case at no cost.
We offer the following services:
- Car accidents
- Truck and 18-wheeler accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites
- Premises injuries
- Slip and falls
- And more
Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
A personal injury lawyer can help you file within the statute of limitations, negotiate a fair settlement, and understand your legal rights. Remember – we don’t collect compensation unless you do, and your consultation is FREE.