Recent news reports show that not wearing a seat belt was a factor in a staggering 59% of the 500 traffic fatalities in Alabama in 2012.
Alabama State Troopers investigated 514 car, truck, and motorcycle accident fatalities last year. Of those deaths, 424 people were in vehicles that actually had seat belts installed. 251 of the 424 people who could have buckled up were not wearing their seat belt, which might have prevented their death.
This past January, 17 out of 36 victims in accidents investigated by state troopers were not wearing a seat belt.
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), a five-year average of 60% of accident victims did not wear their seat belt. The ALDOT also stated that similar statistics for crashes investigated by local law enforcement will be released later this year.
It is very unfortunate to learn that so many people fail to wear their seat belts: wearing your seat belt is vitally important to your safety. Your seat belt could one day save your life or the life of a loved one. Transportation Director John Cooper stated, “It’s a proven fact that buckling up every time we get behind the wheel or ride as a passenger helps save lives. Buckling up in the front seat as well as the back seat can help improve your chances of surviving a crash.
This is not to mention that failing to wear your seat belt is a crime!
The Huntsville car accident attorneys at Martinson & Beason, P.C. see all too many accident-related injuries, many of which likely could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt. We urge everyone to wear their seat belts every time they get behind the wheel, no matter how quick the drive. In addition, you should insist that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. If you have children, make them sit in the back seat in an appropriate child safety seat. You can find more information about passenger safety and car seat recommendations at the links below: