Seatbelt usage has a dramatic effect on your safety if you are involved in a vehicle crash. In 2023, 23,959 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in a road traffic accident. Of those 23,959, 49% were not wearing a seatbelt.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective intervention you can do for yourself to prevent fatality or serious injury from a vehicle crash. In 2023, 56% of individuals killed in a car accident at night were not wearing a seatbelt.
This State Cracks Down on Seatbelt Policies
Over the recent Memorial Day weekend, the state of Virginia launched its ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign to remind families and drivers who were traveling over the weekend that wearing a seatbelt is not only a significant safety prevention mechanism, but is also required by state law.
Automobile companies are also responsible for ensuring that they have properly installed seatbelts in vehicles.
“Ensuring the safety of every driver and passenger on our roads is a responsibility we all share, and it begins with the simple act of buckling up. Seat belts are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce injuries and save lives in the event of a crash,” said Virginia DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “I urge everyone to make seat belt use a non-negotiable part of their daily routine. It’s not just about following the law—it’s about protecting yourself and the people riding with you.”
In addition, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will be kicking off a new seatbelt law, beginning July 1. From the start of the new month, all backseat passengers will be required to wear a seatbelt.
Read Also: Driving Without Inspection Sticker Can Lead to Costly Consequences, DMV Says
Wearing a Seatbelt is Part of Responsible Road Usage
Wearing a seatbelt is not only about concern for your own safety, but also promotes the practice of being a responsible road user.
If you are going to be responsible for driving passengers, it is important that you are aware of the steps you must take to ensure the safety of your passengers, and that includes ensuring that everyone straps in.
In addition to seatbelt usage, as a driver, you must always ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy to transport passengers.
If your vehicle has been subject to a recent vehicle recall and you have received a notice regarding your vehicle needing to come in to have the problem amended, you must do so as soon as possible to ensure that all road users, including yourself, are safe and that your vehicle is not a hazard or danger to the safety of all on the road.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the stricter seatbelt laws will encourage more people to buckle up and improve road safety? Let us know your thoughts and share your own tips for staying safe on the road.
Stay informed and always prioritize safety—your life and the lives of your passengers depend on it! For more safety tips and updates on road safety laws, feel free to visit RidgecrestPact.org.
