Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Florida Sheriff’s Departments have been enforcing a “Click It or Ticket” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of seat belts. In 2009 alone, 23,382 car passengers were killed in car accidents, and statistics show that 53 percent of these victims were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision. Many experts consider seat belts to be one of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in a car accident. Seat belts are also considered a good way to prevent many injuries in an accident.
Seat belts work very simply. They restrain a passenger in the event of a car accident. This helps prevent the passenger from being ejected from the vehicle. This is very important, since Oklahoma State University reports that passengers who are ejected from the car are 25 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury. As well, a seat belt prevents the passenger from being thrown about inside of the car. This is also important, since many Florida brain injury patients sustain their injuries in car accidents due to being thrown around the inside of a vehicle during a collision. Air bags can increase the efficiency of seat belts by up to 40%, according to Oklahoma State University, but they do nor replace the seat belt and will not prevent a car’s passenger from flying out of the car.
Unfortunately, the message about seat belts does not seem to be getting to all drivers. Teen drivers and passengers, especially, do not seem to be getting the message. In studies and polls, teens admit to not wearing their seat belts regularly, and many teens do not wear seat belts because they do not believe that they will be injured. Unfortunately, teen drivers have higher accident rates, so seat belt use is very important.
To wear seat belts effectively, it is important to wear them at all times. It is also important to wear a set belt effectively. This means wearing a seat belt that includes a lap belt and a shoulder belt and adjusting the belt so that it fits snugly. It is also important for children to use booster seats and age-appropriate restrains. Seat belts are not intended to be used on small children and can in fact endanger them in an accident. A small child needs to be placed in an age-appropriate restraint in the back seat. Older children may need a booster seat to ensure that the seat belt does not dig into the neck and pose a danger of cuts in the event of an accident.
While seat belts are one of the most important safety features of a car, each year some passengers are injured due to defective seat belts. If you have been in a Florida car accident and have sustained an injury due to your seat belt, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney about your case. The seat belt or car manufacturer may be liable for some of your injuries.
If you have sustained an injury in a Florida car accident, it is always a good idea to consult with a qualified Florida attorney to discuss your rights and options. With the Flaxman Law Group, this initial consultation is free and can be held in our offices in Miami, Homestead, or Hollywood. If your injuries do not allow you to travel, the Flaxman Law Group can visit your home, workspace, or hospital room as well.