Wisconsin requires all motorists to wear seat belts. They do because research shows that they protect motorists from suffering serious injuries in crashes. Seat belts can slow the movement of your body, which can keep you from making contact with your steering wheel, dashboard and front windshield. They can also keep you from being ejected from the car. Put quite simply, a seat belt can minimize your risk of suffering a serious injury and save your life.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of over 35,000 motorists killed on U.S. roads in 2015 weren’t wearing seat belts at the time of their accidents. Some 13,000 motorists survived them because they buckled up.
When you’re traveling in a vehicle, your body moves in a forward direction at the same rate of speed as your car. Your body doesn’t stop moving along with your vehicle in a crash. It’s often forcibly hurled in the direction of your front windshield unless you’re restrained by a seat belt.
Modern three-point seat belts can minimize your risk of striking something inside your car. They can also reduce your risk of ejection.
If you’re wearing your seat belt at the time of a crash, then the injuries that you do suffer are likely to be minor, soft tissue ones instead of serious, permanently disabling or fatal ones. These seat belts disperse that forward thrust of force to more durable body parts such as your shoulders and hips. This protects more fragile ones. By using a seat belt, you’re able to reduce the speed at which your body is traveling more quickly.
Individuals who don’t wear seat belts are often left with spine or head injuries or die. All of these can result in hefty medical and funeral bills. These outcomes can deprive your family of your companionship and financial backing.
Many motorists don’t wear their seatbelts because they believe that they won’t become involved in a crash. Others wear them, but they malfunction. Some even use them properly and still suffer debilitating injuries or die.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a serious crash, then you should consult with an experienced attorney.