Imagine if one simple action could keep you and your family safe by greatly reducing your risk of injury every time you are in a vehicle. Would you want to know what it is? This lifesaving action is buckling your seatbelt – every trip, every time.
National Seat Belt Day, celebrated annually on November 14, is a perfect time to recognize that seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep everyone safe when riding in a vehicle.
Crash data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that wearing a seatbelt can reduce your risk of critical and/or fatal injury in a vehicle crash by 45-65%, depending on the type of vehicle. This highlights why it is important for everyone, both drivers and passengers, to buckle up properly, whether they are driving just around the corner or on a long trip.
Simple Seat Belt Tips to Follow
- Everyone buckles up, Every time – No exceptions!
- Check your child’s seat – Ensure car seats and boosters are properly fitted and installed.
- Airbags are not enough – Airbags work with seatbelts; they do not replace them.
- Wear it correctly – No shortcuts! Never behind your back or under an arm.
- Model good behavior – Always buckle up before the vehicle ever moves.
