More drivers in the U.S. are using their seat belts in 2016 than in any other recorded year, according to a study released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA study found that 90.1 percent of drivers and front seat passengers choose to use their seat belt. This is the highest recorded use of the safety device since the NHTSA first began collecting data on vehicle safety in 1994.
This marks an increase from 2015, when seat belt use was at 88.5 percent. The NHTSA credits seat belts with saving approximately 14,000 lives in 2015 and estimates that the safety device has saved a total of 345,000 lives since 1975.
An NHTSA spokesperson says the administration is pleased with the results of this year’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS). However, traffic fatalities are still rising throughout the nation and the NHTSA believes that the trend could decrease if all drivers chose to wear their seat belts.
- The NHTSA credits several sources for helping to increase seatbelt use across the U.S., some of which include:
- State legislation that promotes seat belt use.
- The efforts of law enforcement officers to enforce seat belt laws.
- Nationwide seat belt advocate campaigns, such as Click or Ticket.
- U.S. Congress and other safety partners who have provided grants to support seat belt enforcement.
- State and local educational campaigns.
- The automobile and insurance industries who have given their support to seat belt safety advocacy efforts.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The experienced car accident attorneys in Knoxville at Greg Coleman Law are advocates for the injured and understand the difficulties you may be facing. Our injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and provide a free consultation to review your claim and determine if you have grounds for a legal case.
Call us today at (865) 247-0080 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form online.
