Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Safety Belt and Child Restraints Use

Seat belt use is mandatory in all states whenever the vehicle is moving, and there are fines if a driver is caught driving while unrestrained. Seatbelts greatly reduce the risk of injury and death when involved in a motor vehicle crash or even a near crash. The impact of decreasing speed abruptly jerks the body forward resulting in whiplash injuries to the neck and back. More severe cases result in fractures, broken windshields, and concussions. Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use. In 2003, 18% of high school students reported rarely or never wearing seatbelts when riding with another passenger.

Restraint use among young children often depends upon the driver’s restraint use. Almost 40% of children riding with unbelted drivers were themselves unrestrained. Many children who ride in child safety seats are improperly secured. A survey of more than 17,500 children found that only 15% of children in safety seats were correctly harnessed into correctly installed seats.