According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to reduce instances of motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries is for drivers and passengers to use seat belts. Nevertheless, millions of Americans make it a regular habit not to buckle up. Furthermore, the CDC claims that some demographics are more likely than others to avoid this vital safety precaution.
Here’s more information about the likelihood of wearing a seat belt:
Gender: Women are more likely to use seat belts than men.
Location: Rural adults are less likely to use seat belts than adults living in urban areas.
Ages: Across the board, people between the ages of 18 and 24 are least likely to use seat belts compared to other, older age classifications.
Seating position: Seating position also affects seat belt use. Even though back-seat passengers are just as likely to get seriously hurt in a collision, these passengers are less likely to wear a seat belt.
Laws: The laws that apply to seat-belt use also indicate the likelihood of whether someone will wear a seat belt. In states with “secondary seat belt enforcement” laws, i.e., police cannot pull someone over directly for the violation of not wearing a seat belt, the use of seat belts is less frequent (86 percent compliance). In states with “primary seat belt enforcement” laws, i.e., police can directly pull a driver over for failure to wear a seat belt, people are more likely to buckle up (91 percent compliance).
Regardless of whether you were wearing a seat belt or not, if you suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle crash caused by another person’s negligence, you may have the legal right to pursue financial compensation in court. Learn more about your legal rights and options now.
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