Choosing Not to Wear a Seatbelt
Choosing Not to Wear a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is the law, but some people fail to abide by the law when they drive or ride with others. While this may be your personal choice, you should be aware of the consequences of this decision.
Penalty for Not Wearing a Seatbelt
You can receive a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt if you are stopped for a traffic violation. You may even receive a ticket if you’re in an accident and it is discovered that you didn’t have on a seatbelt at the time. You’ll likely have to pay a fine as your penalty.
Higher Risk of Death in an Accident
When you choose not to buckle up, you are placing yourself at a greater risk for death in a car accident. Statistics show that the majority of people who are killed in a car collision were not wearing their seatbelt at the time. This means that if you do wear your seatbelt, you’ll be less likely to be killed.
Lesser Injuries in a Car Accident
Being restrained in an accident can prevent more serious injuries. Even if you’re hurt, your injuries may be minor. Without a seatbelt, you can go through the windshield or be ejected from the vehicle and hit your head. You are more likely to have a severed limb or other injuries that may be life-threatening or cause permanent damage.
Smaller Claims
If nothing else captures your attention, not wearing a seatbelt in a car accident means your claim is probably going to be higher because of the cost of medical care. What might be only minor injuries and an outpatient visit could turn into a life-threatening injury with weeks spent in the hospital or permanent damage. Medical bills can quickly mount up, and you may be unable to return to work for some time, which could put you in a financial bind.
When you look at all of the effects of being in an accident when you aren’t wearing your seatbelt, it only makes sense to buckle up when you get ready to go somewhere. The few seconds it takes and the loss of comfort and freedom is a small price to pay to save your life and reduce the severity and cost of your injuries.