Seat Belts Save Lives: Deaths on the Rise For Unbelted Vehicle Occupants

Fatalities are up nationwide for unbelted vehicle occupants – the first time in five years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2012, 10,335 unbelted vehicle occupants lost their lives. In Nevada, 41 unbelted vehicle occupants died last year.

These numbers are not acceptable and the Nevada Highway Patrol is determined to help bring these numbers down. Seat belts save lives. From 2008-2012, they saved nearly 63,000 lives nationally. And in 2012, an additional 3,031 lives could have been saved if all unrestrained occupants involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts. We are going to be reminding motorists to wear their seat belts by stepping up enforcement.

Our efforts are part of the 2014 Click It or Ticket mobilization that runs May 19 – June 1. As motorists take to the roads to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement officials across the nation will also be taking to the roads to ensure that everyone buckles up.

Many people tend to think that they don’t need to buckle up. They think they are invincible. They are not. Young adults are dying at a disproportionate rate because they are not wearing their seat belts. Men are dying in vehicle crashes twice as much as women, and wearing their seat belts less than women. Pickup truck occupants think that they don’t need to wear their seat belts because they believe their large vehicle will protect them in a crash. They are dying as well. We are particularly worried about the number of unbelted deaths that occur at night. In 2012, 61 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed during the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. – 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts.

We want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destinations safe and sound, so we are letting you know now: If you are not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed. We will show no leniency. Our officers are also trained to spot seat belt violations at night, so no matter what time of day it is they will catch you.

So please remember, day or night, Click It or Ticket. For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, I encourage you to visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.