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A quick trip to the grocery store, the daily commute to work, a weekend drive to visit family — these routine journeys are part of our lives, and for most, they end without incident. Yet, within these ordinary moments lies a critical decision that can be the difference between life and death: the simple act of buckling a seatbelt. It takes only a few seconds, but its impact is profound and life-altering.
The evidence supporting seatbelt use is overwhelming, yet thousands of preventable fatalities occur on our roads each year. As part of our Crashes Hit Different campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the lifesaving importance of seatbelts.
The use of a seatbelt is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself in a crash. The numbers speak for themselves and underscore the gravity of this simple choice.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2022 alone. For front-seat passengers, wearing a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. The effectiveness is even more pronounced for those in light trucks, where seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent.
The consequences of not buckling up are severe. In 2022, more than 50 percent of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.
This figure is a stark reminder of the avoidable tragedies that happen on our roadways every day. Crashes hit differently when you’re not buckled up — it's not worth the risk.
Despite clear evidence, several myths about seatbelt use persist. Addressing these misconceptions is vital to improving safety for all drivers and passengers.
Fact: Airbags are designed to work with seatbelts, not replace them. In a crash, a seatbelt holds you in the proper position for the airbag to deploy effectively. Without a seatbelt, you can be thrown into a rapidly inflating airbag, which can cause serious or even fatal injuries.
Fact: Most fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home and at speeds of less than 40 mph. A crash can happen anywhere, at any time. The length of your trip does not reduce the risk. Buckling up should be an automatic habit for every single ride.
Fact: This is a dangerous and incorrect assumption. Your chances of survival are far greater if you remain inside the vehicle. Being ejected from a car almost guarantees severe injury or death. Seatbelts prevent ejection and keep you secured in the safest possible place during a collision.
Read about how tackling excessive speed, distracted driving and impairment can save lives!
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Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility. By taking a few proactive steps, you can help protect yourself and your passengers and set a positive example for others on the road.
Protecting our youngest passengers is also paramount. Car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts are designed to protect children at different stages of their development.
The decision to wear a seatbelt is a simple one, yet it carries immense weight. It is a promise you make to yourself, your family, and everyone who shares the road with you. It is a commitment to arriving safely at your destination.
As we emphasize through our Crashes Hit Different campaign, the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt can be devastating. The data is clear. A seatbelt is not a restriction; it is your best defense in a crash.
Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone. Make that click an automatic habit, and encourage others to do the same. For our kids and every passenger, let’s ensure every ride is a safe one.
stay safe!
AAA has been advocating for driver safety, fair laws and safer vehicles for over 100 years – all to allow our members to go wherever adventure takes them, safely.
