With summer almost here, many families and others will be taking vacations in the coming weeks. With the costs of airline travel going up, it is more economical than ever to travel by car. While taking a vacation by car is fun and affordable, it can also be dangerous. California Highway Patrol, CHP, wants to remind drivers to buckle up. Their reminder is part of an overall nationwide push for seat belt safety awareness this summer. CHP issued a press release to the public to remind everyone that seat belts save lives.
Seat Belt Laws
Seat belts have been installed in vehicles for many decades. Federal seat belt laws have been in place since 1968 requiring all motor vehicles (except buses) to have seat belts installed in designated seating areas. Seat belt laws are governed by individual states. California requires seat belt use by all vehicle passengers. It is important to note that the driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers wear seat belts. The driver may be ticketed if he or she or any passengers are not properly secured.
Child Safety Seats
California law requires that all children younger than 8 years old be belted into a car seat or booster seat. Children at least 8 years of age or who are at least 4’ 9” tall may use a safety belt but must be seated in the rear seat. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to ride in the front passenger seat. Infants and children under the age of 2 have to ride in an approved rear-facing car seat.
National Click it or Ticket Campaign
CHP joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a nationwide “Click it or Ticket” campaign. According to the NHTSA, seat belt use saved almost 14,000 lives in 2015 alone. The use of seat belts nationwide is at rate of 87%, and in California it is more than 97%. Still, there is more to be done to educate and enforce seat belt laws. The goal is a 100% compliance rate. Last year about two-thirds of those killed in vehicle accidents over the Memorial Day weekend under CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seat belts.
Preventable Injuries and Deaths
It is clear that wearing seat belts can protect drivers and passengers from serious harm in the event of a collision. Severe injuries are much more likely to occur when someone is not properly secured. People can be thrown about the vehicle, causing them to make impact with the windshield and other parts of the car. Passengers are also thrown out of vehicles when they are not secured. Some of these injuries could be prevented with proper safety belt use.
If you are injured in a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. You may be owed money for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. After a serious accident, do not delay. Contact the experienced lawyers at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea for a consultation to discuss your case.
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