The Importance of Wearing a Seat Belt

 Posted on February 06, 2019 in Uncategorized

On February 3, an SUV driver was fatally injured near Colorado Springs when they lost control of their vehicle, crashed into an oncoming car, and ultimately collided with a concrete barrier. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision after being ejected from the vehicle. A female passenger was in stable condition after suffering injuries in the accident. 

For drivers throughout the state of Colorado, the accident served as a reminder of the importance of wearing a seat belt. Ejection from a vehicle significantly increases the chance of fatal injuries. If you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle collision, the use of a seat belt could save a life. 

Seat Belts Save Lives 

Despite the overwhelming evidence that supports the use of seat belt restraint systems, 27.5 million Americans choose not to wear them. In all, approximately 10 percent of the American population chooses not to use their seat belts while traveling in motor vehicles. The decision to wear a seat belt can make all the difference in avoiding severe injuries in automobile collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts save around 15,000 lives per year. If all American travelers properly utilized their seat belts, it could save an additional 2,000 lives a year.

The importance of wearing your seat belt goes deeper. Without the use of a seat belt, an airbag is unable to protect you, and can actually cause severe harm from the force of deployment. If you choose not to wear your seat belt, you can be ejected from your vehicle in a collision. Unrestrained passengers can also injure other vehicle passengers, due to the momentum of the collision. If you have children in your vehicle, it is critically important to ensure they are properly wearing their seat belts, or sitting in a booster seat if necessary. 

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer 

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we fully understand some car accidents are unavoidable, but many are caused by distracted driving or other forms of negligence. The use of a seat belt can significantly lower your risk of serious injury. If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle collision due to a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation for the injuries suffered. To schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney, call us today at 970-225-2190.

Sources:

https://www.kktv.com/content/news/BREAKING-Deadly-crash-blocking-parts-of-I-25-near-downtown-Colorado-Springs--505284372.html

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts