How Effective Are Seat Belts and Seat Belt Regulations?
State Regulations for Seat Belt Enforcement: Laws, Effectiveness, Savings
Seat belts are still the single most effective injury prevention mechanism in a vehicle today. Still, only 33 states, including California, have standard seat belt laws. Having a standard law allows police officers to issue citations for those who don’t wear seat belts, thereby incentivizing seat belt usage across the state.
It is proven that states with standard seatbelt laws have compliance rates that are consistently 12% or so higher than states with secondary or no seatbelt laws. Some people have argued that forcing seat belt usage is an infringement of privacy, but when Americans share the roadways and taxpayers pay for medical costs every year, it is really our duty as citizens to be responsible and wear seat belts.
Lap belts became standard in all new vehicles in the 1960s. The 1970s gave rise to the lap and shoulder belt combination, but adoption of the feature was not widespread. New York was the first state to adopt a law regarding seat belts. California adopted seatbelt laws in 1986, but it wasn’t enforced as a standard law until 1993.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelt use was at 87% in 2013. Over a period from 1995 to 2011 the evidence shows a trend of fewer documented accidents involving unrestrained occupants as more and more people started to use seat belts. During that time, seatbelt use increased from 60% to 87% and accidents involving unrestrained motorists decreased from 57% to 43%. That decrease in accidents decreases the total tax burden on taxpaying citizens year round. Not wearing a seatbelt also makes motorists many times more likely to be thrown from their vehicle in an accident or vehicle rollover.
Many newer vehicles flash a seatbelt light or beep at you if the driver or passengers have failed to buckle up. This is just another way to remind the general public of the importance of seatbelt use. Sometimes, wearing a seatbelt can be uncomfortable. For some, the shoulder belt will chafe or irritate a driver or passenger’s neck making the device uncomfortable to wear. There are items specifically made to put around the belt to soften its impact, as well as clasping devices that will change the position of the belt on your shoulder. There is always a solution that will allow you to wear a seatbelt without discomfort.
Remember that all safety testing is run with both children and adult dummies sitting upright as instructed in provided seats. Child car seats should only be used as directed, and you shouldn’t allow your children to sleep across the back seat or on the floor boards.
While seatbelts are a proven life-saving device, sometimes they can trap you after an accident. Carry a seatbelt cutter in your glove box or on your keychain at all times. You’ll be doubly protected in the event of an accident, and increase your chance of survival.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Seat Belt Laws and Use
Do I have to wear a seatbelt in the backseat? Yes, as long as you are in one of the 33 states that have seatbelt laws. All seats of a vehicle are included in the law and you may receive a fine of up to $20 for failing to buckle up the first time you are caught.
Do i have to wear a seatbelt in a limo? Only front seat passengers in a limousine are required to buckle up, but there must be seat belts provided for back seat passengers to use.
Do i have to wear a seatbelt in a taxi cab? As with limos, only front seat passengers in taxi cabs are required to wear a seatbelt, but seat belts must be available to back seat passengers.
Will a seat belt ticket raise my insurance rates? Yes. A seat belt ticket can raise your rates by as much as 3 percent.
Do seat belts save lives? Yes. When used properly, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.
What injuries can a seat belt cause? If worn properly, there is no doubt that seat belts do more good than harm. However, if warn improperly the can: fractures, dislocations, and intestinal injuries- known as seat belt syndrome.
What is seat belt syndrome? Seat belt syndrome refers to a contusion of anterior abdominal wall that can produce lumbar spine fractures. trauma to the bowels, vessels, spleen and liver. It is seen mostly in lap belt only cases and when the lap belt is twisted.
Do I need to wear the shoulder harness, or is just the lap belt ok? You must wear the seatbelt properly. Only wearing the lap belt can allow you to be thrown forward violently and potentially causing serious head, neck and back injuries.
How does a seat belt lock? Inside the seat belt retractor (the part that winds the belt material is a bead slightly larger than a ball bearing. The ball moves when the vehicle decelerates, and locks the rotation of the spool inside the retractor, effectively locking the seat belt.
The bottom line is that seatbelt use saves lives and money, so buckle up! And buckle up properly!