A Simple Law Could Save Hundreds of Lives Per Year

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It is common knowledge that the use of seat belts increases the chance of survival during automobile accidents. Despite this, many people still refuse to buckle up. In order to change the driving habits of these stubborn drivers, 21 states have now altered laws, allowing police to pull people over strictly for not wearing seat belts. The 21 states who have made the seat belts laws primary have truly seen an increase in seat belt use, and in turn, they have also seen a decrease in automobile related deaths. Recent studies have shown that within these states over 700 lives have been saved each year because of the strict seat belt enforcement. Citizens would rather buckle up then deal with the hassle of being pulled over and ticketed. If the number of deaths decreased as seat belt laws became stricter, then what is keeping other states from altering their laws in order to possibly see the same positive results? Thousands of people in these states could have also decided to buckle up in order to avoid a ticket. It is safe to say that thousands of accident victims could still be alive today.

http://www.carsafety.org/news_releases/2005/pr011305.htm