According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, 47% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts. How do seat belts help save people’s lives
Seat belts help save people's lives in several ways:
1. Restraint in Impact: During a crash, seat belts restrain the occupants of a vehicle and prevent them from being thrown around or ejected from the vehicle. This restraint greatly reduces the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
2. Spreading Crash Forces: Seat belts are designed to distribute crash forces over stronger parts of the body, such as the chest, hips, and shoulders. By spreading these forces over a wider area, seat belts minimize the risk of life-threatening injuries to specific body parts.
3. Preventing Contact with Interior: In a collision, unrestrained occupants can be thrown forward with great force, impacting the vehicle's steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or other hard surfaces. Seat belts hold individuals in their seats and prevent such contact, reducing the risk of head, face, and internal injuries.
4. Reducing Collisions inside Vehicle: Seat belts also help in preventing secondary collisions among occupants. Unrestrained individuals can collide with other passengers inside the vehicle, causing injuries to themselves and others. Seat belts minimize the chance of such collisions, increasing overall safety for everyone.
5. Protecting Against Airbag Impact: Airbags are a vital safety feature in vehicles, but they work best in combination with seat belts. Seat belts ensure that occupants remain in the proper position to benefit from the full protective capabilities of airbags. This coordination effectively reduces injuries and fatalities.
6. Decreasing Risk of Ejection: Not wearing a seat belt significantly increases the risk of being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. Ejection is one of the most dangerous situations and often leads to severe injuries or death. Seat belts firmly secure passengers inside the vehicle, reducing the likelihood of ejection and its associated risks.
Overall, seat belts are an essential safety measure that plays a crucial role in protecting individuals involved in motor vehicle crashes. By reducing the severity of injuries and minimizing the risk of ejection and secondary collisions, seat belts save thousands of lives every year.