The average American driver will be in at least one car accident over the course of their life, while many are in significantly more than that. In an accident, many actions can be done during and after that can increase the odds of coming out of it unscathed and unharmed. However, one action stands head and shoulders above all others as the chief reason a person was not harmed more during a car accident: wearing a seatbelt.

Statistics Don’t Lie

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled studies that show that seatbelts are one of the single most important factors in mitigating injury during a crash. The use of seatbelts in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%.

Important Seatbelt Information

While seatbelt use is key to mitigating harm, proper seatbelt use is more specific than a simple “click the seatbelt.” It’s important that your seatbelt sits snugly against your body, with the shoulder belt going across your chest from your shoulder to your waist and the lap belt going on your hips rather than across your stomach. Taking off the shoulder strap diminishes the efficacy of the seatbelt. If your seatbelt is too small or too large to prevent a proper fit, consider speaking to the automotive dealer you purchased the vehicle from about a seatbelt adjuster or extender. As well, airbags are designed to be used with seatbelts, not instead. The firing of an airbag can be dangerous if you aren’t properly using a seatbelt.

Were you Injured in a Crash?

The team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC can help you understand your legal options after a motor vehicle accident. Call us at (888) 425-6070 or reach out through our website today for a free consultation.