The Importance of Seats Belts
It has taken more than 50 years, but automakers and the Department of Transportation have succeeded in persuading 88.5% of American auto drivers to fasten their seat belts. While this statistic is certainly encouraging, it also reminds us that there are many drivers who do not buckle up! In fact, 25 million Americans routinely ignore safety reminders to wear their seat belts. This translates into numerous car accident injuries – and even fatalities every year.
In addition to the personal tragedy of losing a loved one, the importance of seat belts becomes clearer when you consider their effect on society at large. The additional risk from unbelted drivers actually increases car insurance rates and healthcare costs for all Americans. It also causes automakers to redesign their cars, causing inflated car prices and often other unsafe features.