According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, seat belts saved over 72,000 lives during the 5-year period from 2005 through 2009.
Seat Belts Worn Incorrectly Can Result In Fines
However, many people have developed bad habits regarding seat belts, like wearing the shoulder portion behind the back or under the arm. Unfortunately, wearing a seat belt incorrectly carries the same penalty of failing to wear on at all.
Tips If The Seat Belt Doesn’t Fit
Sometimes people don’t wear seat belts because they don’t fit. If this is the case, there are options available:
- There are aftermarket restraint systems, but it’s a good idea to have them installed professionally to ensure they meet safety standards (some manufacturers do produce extenders that don’t meet safety standards, be sure to check the packaging to make sure it complies).
- Check with your dealer or vehicle manufacturer, sometimes they’re provided free of charge, if requested.
- If you do have an extender installed, be sure to keep the packaging. If you get pulled over and asked about it, you can show that the extender you installed does, in fact, meet safety standards.
What If I’m Not Wearing A Seat Belt And I’m In An Accident?
If you are in a car accident in Georgia and you weren’t wearing a seat belt, it won’t play a factor in determining who was at fault. However, it could impact your compensation.
An insurance adjuster could argue that if you sustained serious injuries, it was because you weren’t wearing your seat belt. If you were in an accident and not wearing a seat belt, you should seek the advice of Marietta car accident attorney Andrew W. Jones. You may be entitled to compensation regardless of whether or not you were wearing your seat belt.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Accident, Car Seat Safety, Health & Wellness, Personal Injury, Safety Tips, Seatbelt Safety, Wrongful Death
