With the advancement of recent technology, modern cars are safer than ever. However, automobile accidents are always possible, and seatbelts remain the most effective injury-prevention mechanism in motor vehicles. You may be wondering why and how seatbelts are so important for safety. Continue reading to learn more about seatbelt safety and how one of our New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyers can help you in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WEAR A SEATBELT?
It’s incredibly important to wear a seatbelt every time you ride in a car. Seatbelts help to secure you in your seat, which is especially vital in the event of a car accident. Statistics show that seatbelts lower the risk of injuries and death by about half. This is because seatbelts help your body match the speed of your vehicle; so when the car abruptly stops, your seatbelt will help you safely stop too. Without a seatbelt, you could hit the wheel or seat in front of you if the car stops suddenly or hits something. You could even be ejected from your vehicle, which could be fatal. In the event of a crash, your seatbelt prevents ejection and distributes the impact force so only the strongest parts of your body (like your torso) will be impacted by the seatbelt placement. Seatbelts can also protect your brain and spine from being injured in an accident.
Even if you don’t get into an accident, it’s important to buckle up every time you drive. Being safely fastened in your seat is necessary to keep control of your vehicle. Your seatbelt will keep you in the ideal position to take action in the event that your car skids.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I DON’T WEAR A SEATBELT?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Click It or Ticket”. Many states have laws enforcing seatbelt use for all passengers over a certain age and height. In New Jersey, it’s the law that car passengers who are at least 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall must wear a properly fastened seat belt system. You can even receive a $46 fine if you’re caught not wearing a seatbelt, even if it’s a first offense.
Laws aside, you should always wear a seatbelt to ensure your personal safety. Seatbelts save thousands of lives each year. If you get into a motor vehicle accident without a seatbelt on, you are much more likely to get seriously injured. There have been incidents where passengers not wearing seatbelts injure other passengers because there’s a higher risk of being ejected from your seat and unintentionally hitting someone else in the car. Seatbelts protect not just you but anyone else in the car with you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If you’ve recently been in an auto accident and are looking for a trusted auto accident attorney, look no further! Contact Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC today for a free consultation.
