November 17, 2016 through November 27, 2016 is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s nationwide campaign urging motorists to buckle up and ensure that children are correctly restrained in child safety seats. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of a fatal injury by 45%.
Seat belt use reduces fatalities by 74% in rollover crashes involving passenger cars and by 80% in rollover crashes involving light trucks. (This effectiveness info from Fatality Reduction by Safety Belts for Front Seat Occupants of Cars and Light Trucks, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 199)
Over Thanksgiving week, millions of motorists will hit the road to spend time with family and friends. It is one of the busiest travel times of the year. More vehicles on the roadways also pose a higher probability for more crashes to occur. An unrestrained passenger is killed every 5.5 days.
Idaho Code §49-673 requires everyone in a vehicle to wear safety restraints. Adult violators are subject to a $10 citation. If the non-restrained driver or passenger is younger than 18 years old, court costs are added to the fine. Violations of this law are enforceable only as a secondary action when a driver has been stopped for another reason.
The Idaho Transportation Department has teamed up with the NHTSA and law enforcement agencies to raise public awareness regarding seat belt use to hopefully reduce injuries and deaths as a result of traffic crashes.
As you travel “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house”, fasten your seat belt and make sure others in your vehicle are correctly using safety restraints. Buckle up to arrive alive this Thanksgiving!
If you have been injured in a crash due to the negligence of another, the Racine Olson personal injury team is dedicated to helping clients recover damages for their losses. Our lawyers are available to talk with you at 208-232-6101 or call toll free at 877-232-6101.
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