Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death for individuals in the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2.2 million Americans were treated in hospitals due to automobile accidents in 2012.
How can seat belts help?
Seat belts are the most effective way to reduce injuries in vehicle accidents. But millions of adults neglect to wear seat belts each time they get in a vehicle.
Proper seat belt usage can reduce the number of automobile accident injuries and deaths by nearly half. Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected from vehicles. They also spread crash forces over the body to avoid putting undue stress on any one area.
Vehicles are designed to be crushed in a controlled way in the event of an automobile accident. Seat belts keep individuals secure as the front end of the vehicle is crushed, preventing injuries and vehicle ejections. Seat belts also keep the individuals in the vehicle from hitting each other during an automobile crash.
Implementing Seat Belt Safety
Parents and caregivers can set a good example by using a seat belt on each and every trip, no matter how short. Children ages 12 and younger should be properly buckled into the back seat of the vehicle. Younger children should be buckled into a car seat or booster seat that meets age, height, and weight guidelines.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.