It’s Not a Myth – Seatbelts Save Lives
There are two facts that are indisputable. The first — though some age groups might think otherwise, the human body is not indestructible. And, the second — it’s not a myth – seatbelts save lives. The numbers speak for themselves. You can actually reduce the risk of death by 45% and injury by as much as 50% in a collision when wearing your seat and shoulder belt. And, it will make your car insurance company happier.
If the initial two facts aren’t convincing enough for you doubters, those of you who seem to find more excuses as to why not wear your seatbelt, here’s another somber fact…every hour someone dies in America simply because they didn’t wear a safety belt. Do the math…that’s 8,760 misguided souls who might be alive today if they had just worn that “annoying strap” across their lap and chest.
There are all sorts of mental justifications…you don’t want to crinkle the blouse or the shirt. It‘s uncomfortable. Well, a little crinkling or mild discomfort is a small price to pay for keeping you where you sit rather than being launched into space through the windshield or a side window on impact.
With the widespread use of the airbag, some think airbags will be more than enough to keep them alive. The airbag does you absolutely no good in a rollover. Whether you’re tossed about the interior like a pair of old socks in a clothes dryer or ejected, in all probability, you’re going airborne and the landing won’t be pretty. They don’t give style points for hitting the pavement at high speed. They usually give last rites.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the 16 to 24 age group is most likely to not wear their seatbelts. Of this group, teenagers, often as passengers, neglect or refuse to buckle up. Not wearing your seatbelt doesn’t make you “cool“…it puts you in a special category – one that is at higher risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
According to the National Safety Council teens are not the only “invincible” drivers on the roads today. In addition, commercial drivers, males in rural areas, pick-up truck drivers, people driving at night, and people who have been drinking are also responsible for a substantial total of all fatalities and injuries associated with not wearing their seatbelts.
An effective program that has aided in reducing these dire statistics in recent years has been the implementation of national seatbelt laws (except in New Hampshire). These laws have proven highly effective. The current slogan “Click it or ticket” has brought attention to the need to buckle up or pay a fine. A hit to the pocket book is one way to get the point across. Simple logic should be enough. In the long run, it may even save your life.
Dumb reasons for not wearing your seatbelt
- Seat belts are stupid.
- The seatbelt law is stupid.
- Seatbelts wrinkle my clothes.
- I’m not driving very far.
- That’s what airbags are for.
- Seatbelts are uncomfortable.
- Seatbelts are too confining.
- I’ve heard of people trapped in a burning car who couldn’t unfasten their seatbelt.
- I shouldn’t have to wear my seatbelt if I don’t want to (so there!).
- I’m an excellent driver.
Whatever your excuse, it’s no excuse. The odds are still dramatically on the plus side that you’ll survive a serious automobile accident if you always buckle up when you drive or ride. Speaking of excuses, don’t make any regarding your car insurance. Be sure you’re getting the best rate possible. Why not get a free car insurance quote today?