Insist on Seatbelt Use
The horrendous story of the fiery collision that led to six fatalities in Osceola County was one that saddened everyone who heard about it. One little-known fact about the crash is that the three children who died that day—ages four months to three years– were not buckled up in harnesses or seatbelts. Would buckling up have made a difference? We will never know.
NHTSA Advisement
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 15,000 lives were saved in a single year simply because people chose to wear seatbelts. The data spells out just how important it is to insist that anyone in a vehicle buckles up every time, regardless of the distance or speed that is to be travelled. That’s because more crashes occur within 25 miles of home—often at moderate speeds—than anywhere else.
- About half of all vehicle fatalities involve individuals who were not wearing seatbelts.
- It’s estimated that another 2,500+ lives could have been saved in 2023 if only they’d been in appropriate restraints.
- Although air bags are one form of protection, they can be injurious or even deadly to individuals who are not wearing seatbelts.
- Wearing proper restraints can prevent an ejection from a motor vehicle, which is nearly always fatal.
- Experts report that buckling up in the front seat of a car can reduce the chance of a serious injury by 55 percent and the chance of a fatality by 45 percent.
- When in a light truck, front seat restraints can reduce the risk of critical injuries by 65 percent and the risk of a fatality by 60 percent.
Belt Up Properly
Clearly, it’s important to set a good example for children when it comes to seatbelt use. Research indicates that kids are 40 percent less likely to be diligent about buckling up when they see their parents fail to do so. And simply wearing a seat belt is not enough: it must be worn properly:
- The lap belt should cover the pelvis, while the shoulder strap should cover the rib cage;
- The center of the chest should be covered by the strap, leaving plenty of room for your neck;
- Make sure the belt does not cover the stomach;
- Avoid putting the shoulder strap under an arm or behind the back.
- Even pregnant women should buckle up: extensions are available if desired.
- Seats should always be upright, and drivers should attempt to maximize the distance between the steering wheel and stomach.
After an Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a traffic collision, you may be entitled to damages if the accident was a result of another driver’s negligence or recklessness. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation with the experienced Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group today.
Source:
wftv.com/news/local/6-killed-overnight-osceola-county-semi-truck-crash/5BCUKMMW4JCZPMZV3NJV3MNB3A/
