With 2020 behind us, we are quickly moving forward into 2021 with all it has in store for us. Regardless of where you go and what you do, there are always risks and dangers. However, resolving to always wear your safety belt, and to make sure you’re the people around you are wearing theirs, is a New Year resolution that will hopefully make your 2021 a safer one.
We frequently remind people to always wear a seat belt. We do this because it is absolutely critical that all passengers in a vehicle be properly fastened in their seats with a safety belt, either alone, or in the case of children, in conjunction with a booster seat or other device to make seat belts safe for their use. If not, you are potentially risking your life or the lives of your passengers!
The use of seat belts reduces serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2017, 37,133 people were killed in a motor vehicle accident. The NHTSA reports that approximately 47% of them were not wearing a seat belt during the collision. More specific to West Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control, adults who live in rural areas are 10% less likely to wear seat belts (78% use) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87% use).
Regardless of whether you are going on a long trip or just a trip to the convenience store, always fasten your seat belt! One click could save your life. However, even when you are wearing a seat belt, serious injuries can still occur in any car collision. And no matter how safe a driver you think you are, you never know what other drivers will do. So always buckle up!
If you have been hurt or a loved one injured or killed in an auto collision because of the negligence of another, contact the car accident attorneys at Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC. We are always here to help and the consultation is free.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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