Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a car accident. Yet, despite its proven benefits, many drivers and passengers still neglect this lifesaving habit.
Our study of statistics shows that failing to wear a seatbelt not only increases the risk of injury and death but also affects insurance claims and liability.
We believe this study will provide valuable insights to drivers and insurance companies. In addition to protecting motorists and providing important information to insurers, this campaign also has the potential to affect change on a larger scale by influencing public safety campaigns and policy reform.
Data Shows Not Wearing a Seatbelt Is a Major Safety Risk
Upon our analysis of information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we’ve found that In 2022, 25,420 passengers were killed in vehicle accidents, and about 50% of those killed were not wearing seatbelts.
This is just one of the many statistics that highlight the importance of buckling up and spreading awareness about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.
Our study of existing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources has also shed a great deal of light on seatbelt use and how critical it is to driver and passenger safety.
Some of the most significant data points from this research include the following:
- Young adults (age 18-24) are less likely to wear seat belts than those in older age groups
- More than half (range: 51%-61%) of teens aged 13-19 years and adults aged 20-54 years who died in crashes in 2021 were not buckled up at the time of the crash
- Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half
- Seat belts saved almost 15,000 lives in 2017
- Airbags provide added protection but are not a substitute for seat belts
- In 2017, 2,549 lives could have been saved if seat belts had been used
Insurance Implications of Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Not wearing a seat belt while driving can have a serious impact on your insurance rates and your ability to recover fair compensation if you get into an accident.
Our analysis of existing data provided by several sources shows that not wearing a seat belt can result in an auto insurance increase of as much as 5.8%.
The Impact on Auto Insurance Premiums
Our study of statistics has also shown that your auto rate can increase if you are ticketed for not wearing a seat belt. According to our analysis of findings provided by The Zebra, the national average insurance rate increase after a seatbelt violation is 11%, which translates to a $161 increase in cost.
More specifically, our analysis of existing information shows that only a few years ago, getting ticketed for driving with unbuckled children in the car would have led to a 4 to 5% increase in auto insurance rates. However, nowadays, this violation can increase rates by as much as 12%
Not Buckling Up Can Hurt Your Your Driving Record and Your Claim
According to our findings based on research conducted by Insurance Navy, in some states, seat belt moving violations can stay on your permanent record for up to three years.
Further, not buckling up can contribute to your at-fault percentage in states that follow an at-fault standard for car accident claims, making it more difficult for you to get compensation after a car crash.
Whether you’ve received a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt or been involved in a collision where you were unbuckled, the insurance implications can seriously impact your finances.
Public Policy Regarding Seat Belt Use
Our study of statistics has also made it clear that the U.S. is in dire need of reform and public policy change surrounding seat belt use. Based on our analysis of statistical information provided by the CDC and other sources, we’ve uncovered several data points that highlight this critical need for reform.
Some of those points include the following:
- In 2019, observed seat belt use was 92% in states with primary enforcement laws but only 86% in states with secondary enforcement laws or no seat belt laws.
- In 2022, observed seat belt use was 90% in states with secondary enforcement seatbelt laws or no seat belt laws at all and 92% in states with primary enforcement laws.
- As of September 2020, 31 states did not have a primary enforcement law covering all seating positions.
- 35 states and the District of Columbia have primary seat belt laws, and 14 states have secondary laws requiring adult front-seat occupants to use seat belts.
In addition to these points, our analysis of additional information provided by The Zebra shows that U.S. employers are collectively spending an extra $5 billion per year on traffic crashes involving employees who did not wear a seat belt while driving or riding as passengers.
Safer Roads Are on the Horizon
These findings and information regarding safety risks and insurance implications of not wearing a seat belt highlight a strong need for change regarding seatbelt habits and public policy.
Although Florida car accident lawyers can help crash victims move forward after an accident, buckling up can help you avoid the claims process, serious injuries, financial losses, and insurance rate spikes.
Ultimately, it’s up to drivers throughout the U.S. to choose safer driving habits and make the nation’s roads a safer place, one seat belt at a time
