Don't Overlook! Importance of Seat Belt Safety - Vol.124
We spend a great deal of money keeping our cars running. We spend time and money upgrading, accessorizing, and maintaining our investment. However, one area that car owners seldom spend any time thinking about is their seat belts. It is important not to overlook the importance of seat belts and seat belt safety in our cars. Since all vehicles are required to have seatbelts for all passengers, it is clear that the automobile industry and lawmakers emphasize the importance of seat belt safety. Therefore, it is equally important that do not overlook the importance of your seat belts.
The purpose of the seat belt
Originally patented in 1955, the seatbelt has been a required addition to cars since 1965. Though the seat belt, originally called a safety belt, has continued to evolve and change over the years. Studies continue on their effectiveness and ability to prevent injury and death in the case of an accident. However, many people still do not heed the warning and do not wear their seat belts.
The purpose of the seat belt is to keep the driver and passengers in the car should an accident occur. It has been shown that, in the event of an accident, the driver and the car passengers are much safer in the car than outside the car. The seatbelts help keep everyone in the car and safe until help arrives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, lap belts and shoulder belts increase your likelihood of not dying in a crash by 45%. Therefore, seat belts are an important safety precaution. Additionally, over 50% of children that die in car accidents were not wearing their seatbelts, again indicating the importance of wearing your seatbelts.
Misconceptions regarding seat belt safety
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding seat belt safety is that many people think that, if they are only driving down the street for a quick errand or just around the corner, seat belts are not necessary. However, this is simply not true. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSF) states that 6 out of 10 kids that die in automobile accidents were not wearing seat belts at the time of the impact. Moreover, in many cases, these accidents happen less than 5 miles away from the victim's home making a quick run to the store a life-altering event.
Another misconception is that the seat belt laws are not really laws but just suggestions. In about one-third of the United States, if there is a seat belt law, it is rarely enforced. Almost 20,000 fatalities each year are prevented due to proper seat belt safety. Therefore, emphasizing the importance of seat belt safety is vital and law enforcement support is key.
People also have the misconception that a seat belt will actually inhibit them being able to escape their car should they need to in an automobile accident. There is only a very small percent of accidents where the driver or passengers of a car need to evacuate the car immediately. In most cases, a person is much safer in the car and a seat belt can keep you safe and conscious inside the car until help arrives, if it is necessary.
Seat belts are very important. All drivers need to understand how important they are and follow the laws. Even if your state does not have or enforce seat belt laws, you should give some thought to your seat belts, ensuring that you promote the proper use of your seat belt. Don't overlook the importance of seat belt safety. It can save your life someday.