Seat belts are a relatively new phenomenon in road safety. Although invented in the late 1800s, lawmakers in America did not require them in cars until 1966. Even after this, it was not until the mid-1990s that drivers and passengers were required by law to use them.
Since that time, seat belt usage has become much more commonplace. However, many people still fail to buckle up when they take to the road in Iowa. In commercial vehicle accidents, failure to use safety restraints often leads to the loss of life, limb or well-being regardless of what caused the crash.
The question is, why do so many people choose not to strap in? Perhaps they still believe the many myths associated with seat belts. The following list busts a few of these myths in the hope that more Iowa residents buckle up before driving.
- Myth: Seat belts prevent your escape from the vehicle if an accident occurs.
- Fact: Restraints protect you from loss of consciousness, increasing your odds of escaping the car.
- Myth: Those who drive well have no need for restraints.
- Fact: While it is wonderful that you are a conscientious driver, other motorists are less responsible. A seat belt protects you if a car or a large commercial truck collides with your vehicle due to negligence.
- Myth: Safety belts can cause injury to drivers and passengers in a crash.
- Fact: The National Safety Council says that correct seat belt use reduces fatal injury risks to vehicle occupants by more than 40 percent. Further, restraints reduce moderate-to-critical injury risks by 50 percent.
The seat belt myths and facts discussed here were originally published for truck drivers, but they can help all motorists avoid injury should a commercial vehicle accident occur. As always, anytime negligence on the trucker or the trucking company’s part contributed to an accident, it is wise to take advantage of the legal resources an injury lawyer can provide.
Source: Donlen, “Seat Belt Myths and Facts,” accessed May 21, 2018