According to a new study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use has reached its highest level since the federal government started surveying it in 1994.
Seat belts have been proven to significantly improve your safety in an automobile. The Nye Law Group’s trusted Savannah auto accident attorneys recommend all drivers and passengers wear a seat belt to reduce the chances of serious injury or death in a traffic collision.

STUDY RESULTS SHOW IMPROVED USE OF SEAT BELTS

Researchers conducted a large-scale observational study in June and found 90.1 percent of drivers and front-seat passengers wore seat belts between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. This is a significant increase compared to 2015, when researchers found 88.5 percent of drivers and front-seat passengers wore their seat belts during daylight hours.

Researchers also discovered:

• The percentage of van and SUV occupants who wore seat belts increased from 90.3 percent in 2015 to 92.3 percent in 2016.
• Seat belt use was more prevalent in states where law enforcement can pull people over for not wearing seat belts compared to states with weaker laws or no seat belt laws at all.
• The percentage of rural drivers using seat belts increased from 86.8 percent in 2015 to 89.5 percent in 2016.
• Seat belt use was highest in the West and South at 93.4 percent and 90.9 percent respectively.
• Seat belt use was least prevalent in the Midwest at 85.5 percent.
• Since 2000, the percentage of unrestrained vehicle occupants killed in daytime crashes has decreased from 51.6 percent to 40.3 percent.

The study is known as the National Occupant Protection Use Survey and is the only survey with national probability-based observed data on seat belt use.

SEAT BELTS PROVE TO BE A RELIABLE SAFETY MEASURE

The NHTSA credits tougher seat belt laws and enforcement of those laws for the increase in seat belt use.

Federal data shows seat belts saved 14,000 lives in 2015 and 345,000 lives since 1975. Even though vehicles have more safety features than ever, the seat belt is still the most important, says NHTSA administrator Mark Rosekind.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH A SAVANNAH AUTO COLLISION ATTORNEY

While buckling up could save your life in an accident, it might not prevent you from suffering severe injuries. If that happens, contact our Savannah car accident lawyers for a free legal consultation.
Our team of committed Savannah personal injury attorneys personal may be able to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for medical bills and other damages.

We have helped numerous victims of car accidents recover millions in verdicts and settlements after being injured by a negligent driver. The Nye Law Group’s Savannah car accident lawyers only work on a contigency fee basis, which means you only have to pay us if we recover fair damages for your claim.

Live chat with a representative or call us at 855-856-4212.