CBS Detroit reported that on February 7th, 2016, between Mt. Elliott and Van Dyke on I-94, a roll-over car accident occurred leaving one man in critical condition. The accident occurred on the east-bound side of the highway causing the highway to be closed for hours. The man was ejected from his vehicle after the vehicle rolled over and slammed into the the median wall, landing him in the hospital in critical condition. Details have not been released, but it is evident that the man was not wearing his seat belt. Had he been strapped in he would not have not been ejected.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, seat belt use cuts the number of crash related injuries and deaths by about 50%. Although air-bags are a good safety supplement, they do not take the place of seat belts. In 2012, of all teens who died in car accidents, approximately 55% were not wearing their seat belts. It is likely that this number would be far lower if proper seat belt usage had been practiced. According to the data, rear-seat car passengers are far less likely than front-seat passengers to wear their seat belt, putting them far more at risk of serious injury in an auto accident.
Although driving laws differ from state to state, every single state in the United States has some sort of seat belt law. In Michigan, a police officer can pull over a driver for the sole reason of not wearing their seat belt.
It's not just about the driver's safety however. All passengers in the front seat must also be buckled up. And although riders over the age of 18 can choose whether or not to wear a seat belt in the back seat, it is recommended by the state that all passengers in motor vehicles wear seat belts.
It is also important to make sure seat belts are functioning properly and to get routine checkups to ensure a vehicle's safety. After all, time can cause wear and tear on these safety mechanisms. Also, drivers should ensure that their car does not have any recalls, and if it does, that they are fixed as soon as possible.
Seat belts are vital to car safety, especially in the even of a car crash. However, like all safety mechanisms, seat belts might not be enough to protect victims of automobile collisions from serous injuries. If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping people involved in auto accidents receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.