Seat belt Statistics.......................

How big is the problem of crash-related injuries and deaths to drivers and passengers?

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S. Most crash-related deaths in the United States occur to passenger vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers).

For adults and older children (who are big enough for seat belts to fit properly ), seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Yet millions do not buckle up on every trip.

Deaths

• A total of 21,022 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2014.
• More than half (range: 53%-59%) of teens (13-19 years) and adults aged 20-44 years who died in crashes in 2014 were unrestrained at the time of the crash.

Injuries

• More than 2.3 million drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2014.
• Young adult drivers and passengers (18-24) have the highest crash-related non-fatal injury rates of all adults.

Costs

• Non-fatal crash injuries to drivers and passengers resulted in more than $45 billion in lifetime medical and work loss costs in 2013.

• What is the impact of seat belt use?

  • Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.
  • Seat belts saved 12,802 lives in 2014.
  • Air bags provide added protection but are not a substitute for seat belts. Air bags plus seat belts provide the greatest protection for adults.