Fewer Teens Wearing Seat Belts

There is no question that seat belts prevent injuries and save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that seat belts lower the risk of serious and fatal injuries in car accidents by nearly 50 percent.

Although seat belts are so integral to saving lives and preventing injuries in car accidents, the CDC and others report that fewer teen drivers are using seat belts. This is even more problematic when you consider that car accidents are the top cause of death among teens.

Seat Belt Stats for Teens

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens fail to buckle up at alarming rates. In 2009, a staggering 56 percent of individuals between the ages of 16 and 20 years old involved in fatal car accidents were not wearing a seat belt.

There are numerous reasons why such large numbers of teens refuse to wear seat belts. Many simply forget. Others are worried about looking cool in front of their friends. Some teens claim they don’t need a seat belt if they are only driving a short distance.

What Parents Can Do to Encourage Teen Seat Belt Use

If you are the parent of a teenager, your child’s safety behind the wheel and on the road is likely one of your top concerns. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to encourage your teen to wear a seat belt. Teen Driver Source, a website created and maintained by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, recommends the following:

• Always wear your seat belt in front of your teen. Children copy the behavior they observe in their parents.
• Give them the facts. Some teens mistakenly believe that seat belts are only necessary for long trips. Explain that an accident is just as likely to occur close to home as it is on the highway.
• Make it a rule. Let your child know that seat belt use is a requirement for driving privileges.

Boston and Brockton Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or your child has suffered an injury in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, you need experienced personal injury lawyers on your side. At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we have a reputation for helping our clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We are confident we can help you, too. Call us today at (617) 742-1170 to speak to a personal injury attorney about your case.

This website has been prepared by Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.