Seat Belt Safety - Defective Products
Wearing seat belts has proven to be the most effective means of reducing
the rate of auto accident fatalities. Considering that the Federal
Highway Administration indicated over 6,000,000 accidents were reported
by police last year, seat belt safety is crucial in protecting human
life WHEN an accident happens. Even though many people are getting
the message that wearing a seat belt is important, an estimated 80-90 percent
are still using child safety seats incorrectly.
Incorrect use of shoulder/lap seat belt combinations is also still
a problem. As of January 2001, only 17 states had adopted primary
seat belt laws that protected all occupants, while all other states
have only secondary seat belt laws in place. All states have primary
seat belt laws for children, but the laws vary by age of the child.
Highway deaths and accidents could be cut dramatically if all states
adopted primary seat belt laws for ALL occupants of motor vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do seat belts really save lives?
According to the NHTSA, seat belt use has saved more than 135,000
lives since 1975 (an estimated 11,197 in 1999). Research has shown
that seat belt use is responsible for a decrease in the chance of
fatal injury while in passenger cars and light trucks by 45-65 percent. Infants
properly restrained in child safety seats have a decreased fatality
rate of 71 percent, and toddlers have a decreased fatality rate of 54 percent. Unfortunately,
30 percent of children are still not restrained properly.
How can I ensure that my children are buckled up
safely?
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and The National Safety
Belt Coalition both publish safety information for proper use
of child safety seats and safety tips for protection of children that
no longer use child safety seats.The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration also publishes child safety seat RECALL
information as well as child safety belt laws.
I was in an auto accident and was injured because my seat
belt was defective. What can I do?
You may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer if the
seat belt was truly defective. A lawyer specializing in Personal Injury
Law would be able to answer your questions.
What is the difference between primary and secondary seat
belt laws?
Primary seat belt laws allow officers to stop and ticket a driver
for not having a seat belt on or if passengers do not have seat belts
on. Secondary seat belt laws give the officer authority to ticket
for not wearing seat belts only after the vehicle has been stopped
for some other infraction.
How can I find out if my state has a primary seat
belt law?
The National Safety Council contains a list of states that already
have passed primary seat belt laws. CLICK
HERE for more information.
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