Driving without a seat belt may be one of the worst driving decisions one can make, as it has resulted in the death of millions of people throughout even the past decade. By wearing a seat belt, one is much more likely to stay safe during a car accident, as it can keep someone from being ejected from the vehicle. Worn correctly, they can absolutely save lives. Here are three facts about wearing seat belts while driving.

  • By wearing a seat belt, it reduces the risk of injury and death by nearly half. This applies to the driver, along with all passengers, as both are at risk for death or injuries in a car accident.
  • In the year 2015, seat belts saved nearly 14,000 lives. Many do not feel as though wearing a seat belt will do much for their safety, as they either have the seat in front of them to stop them, or an airbag if they are in the front seat. Unfortunately, many do not realize that a seat in front of them will not stop them from going through it, and that an airbag is not a substitute for wearing a seat belt. However, together, seat belts and airbags provide some of the best protection in cars for adults.
  • 22,441 people died in car accidents in 2015. Though not all could be stopped by wearing a seat belt, nearly half of those victims were not wearing seat belts.

It does pay off to wear a seat belt. They are added in the car for a reason, and many people do not take full advantage of them being there. It is important to practice car safety with both yourself and your loved ones to avoid fatal accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another, contact the Paris Firm today for a consultation.