Seatbelts save lives
When you get into a car and are headed to work or to run errands around town, getting into an accident may be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, car accidents can occur when we least expect them and can put our lives at risk. Although it may not always be possible to avoid a collision, there are several ways that wearing a seatbelt can save your life and protect your level of safety.
Seatbelts Increase Your Chances of Survival
Studies show that seatbelts reduce your risk of death in a car accident by 45 percent, which makes it one of the main factors that determine the outcome of crashes and if you can walk away from the accident uninjured. Every year, seatbelts save thousands of lives and reduce the risk of injury by 50 percent.
Why Seatbelts are Effective
There are many reasons why seatbelts continue to be used and why they prove to be effective. Seatbelts are designed to keep each occupant inside of the vehicle in the event of a crash. They also work by restraining some of the strongest parts of the body. They're also effective in spreading force from the car accident to reduce the severity and effects of the impact.
Seatbelts also reduce the risk of injuries and death because they protect the brain and spinal cord. They allow less stress to be placed on a specific area of the body while keeping the upper body and head away from the dashboard when the vehicle collides with another car or object.
By restraining the body when there's a significant amount of force on the vehicle, the seatbelt is also effective in making the body slow down and not jerk in different directions. They help to extend the time how long it takes for the different parts of your body to slow down, which helps prevent injuries and excess strain.
How to Correctly Wear a Seatbelt
Although seatbelts are proven to be effective, they can often be worn incorrectly, which can prevent them from working as well. It's important to have the right fit to ensure your body is supported and restrained. Your hips should be snug once you have the seatbelt placed across your lap. The shoulder strap needs to rest across your chest without having contact with your face or neck. It should be placed directly in-between your breasts. Failing to place the seatbelt in the correct place can lead to injuries.
If you're involved in a motor vehicle accident, feel free to reach out to an attorney to obtain representation. You can obtain legal counsel and become more informed of your rights following a car accident.