The Importance of Seat Belt Use in New York
Using a seat belt when operating a motor vehicle is one of the most important precautions you can take in ensuring your safety in the event of a car accident in New York. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an estimated 75,000 lives were saved because of seat belt use between 2004 and 2008. The safety restraints help keep a vehicle occupant in the car if they are involved in a crash and prevent them from being ejected, which almost always ends in a fatality.
Forty nine states and the District of Columbia have laws that require seat belt use. Statistics show that nearly 13,000 lives are saved every year because motorists buckle up before driving.
It is important for all vehicle occupants, not just drivers, to wear their seat belts properly. If you purchase a new car, be sure to test the seat belt to ensure that it is a proper fit for you. If you need an adjustment, ask the dealer or manufacturer about seat belt extenders or other adjustments. If you drive an older model vehicle that is only equipped with lap belts, contact the auto maker about retrofitting your vehicle with the proper shoulder restraints so that you are as protected as possible.
Parents of children who may be riding in the vehicle should follow all instructions on car seats and booster seats and make sure the seat belt is adjusted for the child’s smaller size. Doing so may save a life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in New York, you would be well-advised to consult with an experienced New York car crash attorney like those at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP. If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, we can help you understand your rights and garner you the compensation you deserve. Call 212-986-7353 for a free and confidential consultation.
