Seat Belts Reduce Injuries and Deaths
Approximately 33,000 (AAA article) individuals are killed in auto accidents each year in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the leading cause of death for individuals ages 4, and 11 through 27 is from an auto accident. Why?? Failure to wear a seat belt.
Statistics show that seat belts reduce the probability of death from an auto accident by over 50%. In 2012, more than 2.2 million (CDC article) adults and passengers were treated at an emergency room for injuries as a result of an auto accident. Again statistics show that many of the serious injuries sustained in these accidents could have been minimized with the use of a seat belt. The cost to society is staggering–it is estimated in 2012 that non fatal injuries cost society over 50 BILLION dollars for lifetime medical costs and loss of work productivity. Teenage drivers who survive accidents give the main reason for failing to wear a seat belt as follows:
- Simply forgot to wear the seat belt.
- Driving just a short distance.
Research further shows that seat belts reduce the risk of death to a front seat passenger by 45% and the risk of a critical injury by 50%. Ejection is the main injurious event from failing to wear a seat belt to a front seat passenger. In addition, 77% of passengers ejected from the vehicle were killed.
The mechanics of seal belt use
In order to understand what happens in an accident where a person fails to wear a seat belt, one must understand the work energy principle, kinetic energy and stopping distances. Read about the mechanics of seat belt use. This is all very technical but least to say that all literature shows that value of wearing a seat belts reduce the probability of death and the severity of a serious injury by approximately 50%.
Recently Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers was in a serious accident where his vehicle flipped several times. Because he wore his seat belt at the time of the accident, he walked away with less serious injuries.
Indianapolis lawyers with experience in auto accidents involving injuries and wrongful death cases
Conclusion–It is a fact–seat belts saves lives and minimize serious injuries. If you have been injured or know someone that has died as a result of another person’s negligence, call Charlie, a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Law Firm today at 317-639-9501 for a free consultation.
By Charlie Ward
cpw@wardlawfirm.com
