Safety belts, make a wink Automotive Safety

What automatic device is simple to use, takes only a few seconds to snap into place, and saves thousands of lives every year? Seatbelts, of course - perhaps the most important tool that you must keep safe while driving.

Seat belt stats at a glance
Accidents happen, and chances are you `ll be associated with one or more in your lifetime. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 15000 passenger vehicle occupants died in the evening traffic accidents in 2005 and 59% of those occupants were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal accident. This compares to 44% of the occupants who were not wearing seat belts and were killed during the day in `05.

Sobering statistics, no doubt. The good news is NHTSA reports, 77% of the occupants of passenger vehicles who were in a serious accident and were wearing their seat belts survived. The wearing of seat belts has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for the front seat passenger car occupants and 60% for those vans, sport utility vehicles and mini-vans.

Other good news: According to a report by NHTSA `06, seat belt use across the country is strong enough. The average rate was 81%, with seat belt use from 63.5% in New Hampshire and Wyoming to 96.3% in Washington. And 11 states and territories have rates of 90% or more - including Washington, Michigan, Oregon, California, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Nevada, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and New Jersey.

Although these rates are high, the only truly acceptable rate of seat belt use is 100%, 24 / 7, for all drivers.

Seat belts save more lives
Interestingly, there `sa huge economic impact related to wearing seat belts. According to a rapport'02 by NHTSA, between 1976 and 2002, safety belts have prevented 135000 deaths and 3.8 million injuries - saving an incredible $ 585 billion in medical and related costs. Their report indicates if everyone used seat belts during that period, nearly 315000 deaths and 5.2 million injuries could have been prevented, saving approximately 913 billion dollars.

This is an incredible number of potential savings and savings during a time when many costs related to the conduct can be high - from gasoline to insurance premiums.

Click It or Ticket in action
This year, from May 21 to Memorial Day (May 28), NHTSA is encouraging enforcement agencies of the law of the country to take part in the Click It or Ticket campaign to make the wearing of seat belts. Jurisdictions with seatbelts stronger laws generally show higher rates of seat belt use than those with weaker laws. A good example is the Mississippi, seat belts when the law was changed to a "primary" the application of the law in 2006 and seat belt use jumped from 60.8% to 73, 6%.

NHTSA Click He hoped that the tickets or campaign encourages drivers to consider the legal consequences of non-wearing of seat belts, in addition to being aware of the enormous benefits of safety seat belt use brings.

Some tips on the proper use of safety belts and safety
Just a few quick reminders on the proper way to wear your seat belt: First, the belt should be low and snug across the basin or knees, and never across the stomach.

The shoulder belt should be across the chest and collarbone, and to be tightened. It should never be in front of the face or behind their backs. Remember that you should always wear seat belts, even if your car has air bags - indeed, the air bags will not work properly if you are belted in, and they are not intended to replace seat belts .

All children under 12 should be buckled in a seat appropriate, as a child seat in the back. To find the best child seat for your child's weight and age, ask your local hospital for children. Newborns should be placed in rear-facing car seats in the back.

The wearing of seat belts is a breeze, saves lives every day, and saving billions of dollars. So, keep in mind the link between car accidents and the safety belt when you travel. We will all be safer for him.

For more information on seat belts, safety tips, statistics and use, or for more information on tickets or Click It campaign, please visit the website NHTSA

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