Do you always wear your seat belt when driving or riding as a passenger? While it may seem like a small action, buckling up plays a critical role in protecting lives. However, many drivers and passengers still fail to wear their seat belts consistently, putting themselves at serious risk. In this article, we’ll explore how seat belts prevent severe injuries and why you should never skip this essential safety step.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the Missouri car accident lawyers at Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help.
How Many Missouri Drivers Actually Buckle Up?
Seat belt usage in Missouri has historically been lower than the national average. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 79% of Missourians regularly wore seat belts in 2012, while the national average was 86%.
Among high-risk groups, the numbers drop even further:
- Teens: Only 67% regularly wear seat belts.
- Young Adults (16–24): Least likely to buckle up.
- Male Drivers: More likely to skip seat belts than female drivers.
Lower seat belt usage significantly increases the risk of fatalities and serious injuries in car crashes.
Do Seat Belts Actually Prevent Injuries and Deaths?
Absolutely. Seat belts are the most effective safety feature in a car when used properly. Studies show they cut the risk of severe injuries and fatalities by almost 50% in accidents.
They do this by:
✔ Preventing ejection from the vehicle.
✔ Reducing the impact force during a crash.
✔ Keeping passengers securely in place.
5 Reasons Why Wearing a Seat Belt Could Save Your Life
1. Protection Against Dangerous Drivers
Even if you drive carefully, reckless, impaired, or distracted drivers can cause accidents. A seat belt reduces your chances of fatal ejection and keeps you secured inside the vehicle, minimizing injuries.
2. Airbags Are NOT a Replacement for Seat Belts
Many people assume that airbags alone will protect them in a crash. However, airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. Without a seat belt, an airbag’s deployment can cause even more severe injuries.
3. Wearing It Correctly Matters
To provide full protection, seat belts must be worn properly:
- Lap belt: Should sit low on your hips, not your stomach.
- Shoulder belt: Should cross your chest and rest snugly on your collarbone.
Wearing a seat belt incorrectly can increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.
4. Custom Fit for Comfort and Safety
If your seat belt doesn’t fit well, many car manufacturers offer adjusters and extenders to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. This ensures that everyone, regardless of size, can buckle up safely.
5. Protecting Children and Passengers
Seat belts aren’t just for drivers — passengers are also at risk. The NHTSA recommends child safety seats and booster seats based on a child’s age and weight. Ensuring that all passengers are properly restrained significantly reduces injury risks.
Even With a Seat Belt, Injuries Can Happen — We Can Help
Although seat belts dramatically reduce the risk of severe injury, they can’t prevent all harm, especially in accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri car accident, you have legal options.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we help accident victims secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How We Can Help You After a Car Accident
✔ Investigate Your Accident: We collect police reports, witness statements, and accident scene evidence.
✔ Determine Liability: Whether it’s another driver, a defective vehicle part, or a hazardous roadway, we identify who is responsible.
✔ Handle Insurance Companies: We fight back against lowball settlement offers and work to secure fair compensation.
✔ Fight for You in Court: If necessary, we take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Proven Results: Why Missouri Trusts Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers
When choosing a personal injury attorney, reputation matters. Tyson Mutrux has a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, was named one of St. Louis’ Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers by Expertise (2020), and is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” for his outstanding legal work.
Our firm has received numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied clients, reflecting our dedication, strong communication, and proven results in Missouri injury cases.
Contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Investigation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the legal process alone. We offer a Free Case Investigation to evaluate your claim and discuss your options.
📞 Call us today at (888) 550–4026
🌐 Visit www.tysonmutrux.com to schedule your consultation
Your recovery is our priority. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve!
