According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 85 percent of drivers were using their seat belts in 2008 compared with 80.5 percent in 2002. The CDC study also shows that California car accident injuries and deaths have been reduced due to increased seat belt use.
California is one of the states with strict seat belt enforcement laws, where a driver can be pulled over when police see an occupant of the vehicle without a seat belt on. States that have primary enforcement laws have higher rates of seat belt use, 88.2 percent overall.
It should be noted that this study by the CDC came from people’s own reports about their seat belt habits. The CDC researchers don’t think people are exaggerating, though. 93.2% of Californians say they always use a seat belt. Women are a little more likely than men to wear seat belts. As people get older they’re also more likely to strap in, too.
Car Accident Injuries Down
The improvement in seat belt use appears to be helping reduce the damage to people involved in car accidents. The annual rate of non-fatal injuries in car crashes declined nearly 16 percent to 1,008 per 100,000 in 2009 from 1,194 in per 100,000 people in 2001, according to the CDC report. 231,000 fewer people were injured in car accidents in 2009 than in 2001.
Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the CDC said that in 2009, at least 450 lives would not have been lost if vehicle occupants were wearing their seat belts. In addition, 12,000 car accident injuries would have been prevented.
When to Contact a Car Accident Law Firm Los Angeles
As the statistics show, it’s always smart to wear a seat belt, but it cannot always prevent injury or death. If you, or someone you love, is the victim in a car accident, you need to speak to an expert car accident attorney. Our car accident attorneys will fight for you. Please call 877-702-7274 and speak to a car accident lawyer today.
