Wearing your seatbelt might be uncomfortable, but it’s many times better than being ejected from a vehicle in an accident. For the eleventh year, Texas officials are launching the Click It or Ticket campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of buckling up. Over the years, efforts that have inspired many to buckle up have probably also saved numerous lives.
Not wearing your seatbelt makes you both more likely to be ejected in the event of an accident and more likely to suffer a head injury. The state’s Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says that when it began the Click It or Ticket campaign in 2002, an estimated 76% of Texans were wearing their seatbelts. They credit the campaign with a vast improvement—now 94% are buckling up.
Not everyone is convinced of the need for seatbelts, as demonstrated by the fact that compliance with safety belt laws is lower in rural settings, particularly among pickup truck passengers. Only 82% of pickup truck passengers wear seatbelts, compared with 91% of car passengers. This is especially troubling when you consider that pickups are more likely to overturn and that people are more likely to be ejected from them in truck accidents with significant impact.
“The cost of not wearing seat belts is far greater than a ticket or a fine,” explained TxDOT executive director Phil Wilson. “Simply put, a seat belt could save your life. Public awareness is working, but we still see some teenagers, pickup truck passengers and rural Texans who aren’t buckling up.”
Across the country, other states are making similar efforts to raise awareness about buckling up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the Click It or Ticket campaign has saved approximately 3,700 lives since it began in 2002. The NHTSA also estimates that the campaign has prevented more than 50,000 injuries.
In an effort to increase compliance, law enforcement will focus on catching people who aren’t buckled up and ticketing them appropriately. During this period last year, more than 21,200 tickets were issued.
A seatbelt can save your life, but it can’t necessarily prevent an accident from occurring. And when an accident happens that’s beyond your control, you need a way of seeking justice.
Houston Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a serious car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the Houston car accident lawyer Kevin Krist today. Call 713-284-1660 now for a free consultation.
