Every year, there are a large number of auto accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving, inclement weather, and driver error. Motor vehicle fatalities are actually the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Vehicle occupants of all ages who wear a seat belt, however, are much more likely to survive an auto accident.
The auto accident attorneys of Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys have seen firsthand how seat belts prevent tragic auto fatalities.
“In an auto accident there are two collisions,” says Mike Wyatt, auto accident attorney. “The collision of the car’s exterior, and that of the person colliding with the car’s interior. A properly won seat belt is the best prevention against a serious injury or fatality in the event of a traffic accident. ”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belts reduce the number of auto fatalities by 50 percent. In 2013 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) estimates that 12,584 lives were saved by seat belts in auto accidents. If all unrestrained passengers and drivers had been properly wearing seat belts, then an additional 2,800 lives would have been saved. However, many drivers and passengers still refuse to wear their seat belts. In 2012, 55 percent of all vehicle occupants involved in a crash were not wearing a seat belt (NHTSA).
“Many people think they don’t need seat belts when driving short distances, or cite being a good driver as justification,” says Scott Mann, auto accident attorney. “However, the majority of fatalities on the road occur within a 30-mile radius of the home. Accidents happen quickly without enough time to react. The skill of the driver has no correlation with surviving an accident and not wearing a seat belt.”
Drivers and passengers need to get in the habit of buckling their seat belts every time they go on a trip. Parents should also make sure children are securely fastened at all times. If you have been injured in an auto accident, please contact the auto accident attorneys of Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys. We are honored to assist in your complete recovery!
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