Is wearing a seatbelt a personal choice?

ANSWER: Wearing a seat belt is still your choice. But it is the law. There are laws on the books that seem to protect us from ourselves. Laws such as wearing a seat belt or motorcycle helmet, smoking laws and drug possession laws are a few examples.

Why wearing a seatbelt is the law?

Seat belt use reduces serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half, and seat belt laws and enforcement strategies have been proven to increase seat belt use. Primary enforcement seat belt laws allow law enforcement officers to stop vehicles if a driver or passenger is not wearing a seat belt.

Does not wearing a seatbelt affect others?

Drivers or passengers protected by seat belts are at increased risk for fatal injuries if others who ride with them fail to wear their seat belts. The risk of death for a rear occupant was increased about 22 percent if someone in front was unrestrained, compared with having someone in front who was restrained.

Why is wearing a seatbelt a law?

Can wearing a seatbelt protect others?

Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45\%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50\%. Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash. People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.

Why is wearing a seat belt a law?

When did it become mandatory to wear a seatbelt?

In most states the seat belt law was originally a secondary offense; in many it was later changed to a primary offense: California was the first state to make this change, in 1993.

When did wearing a seatbelt become law?

However, the first seat belt law was a federal law, Title 49 of the United States Code, Chapter 301, Motor Safety Standard, which took effect on January 1, 1968, that required all vehicles (except buses) to be fitted with seat belts in all designated seating positions.

Why don’t people wear seatbelts?

People cite many reasons for not wearing seatbelts. Some people believe they are great drivers and will never be in an accident. Others may feel afraid that they may become trapped in a vehicle after a car wreck. But the NHTSA found the top reasons people refuse to wear seatbelts:

What are the laws on seatbelts in New Hampshire?

Laws differ from state to state. New Hampshire only requires seatbelts for those under 18. Massachusetts law mandates seatbelt use for everyone 13 and older. Some other states require seat belts only for operators and front seat passengers. All 50 states require children to be buckled-up, and in the proper seats for their weight.

How many lives do seatbelts save?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts save over 15,000 lives annually. That number increases each year as seat belt use rises. Seatbelts keep you restrained and secure during impact, preventing extreme movement of your body which would increase the risk of injuries, or a fatality.

What are the most common injuries caused by Seatbelts?

Abrasions and lacerations make up the most common such injuries. Shoulder belts can cause injuries to the sternum, neck, shoulder, and ribs. Lap belt injuries include hip, abdomen, and stomach injuries. Experts say fastening the seatbelt correctly minimizes the risk of common injuries.