Failing to wear a seatbelt contributes to more traffic fatalities than any other single safety-related behavior — more than 60% of people killed in traffic accidents were not wearing seatbelts. Buckling up remains the most effective thing we can do to save lives on the road.
The Numbers Don't Lie
From 2004 to 2008, more than 75,000 lives were saved by seatbelts. If 90% of Americans buckled up, more than 5,500 deaths and 132,000 injuries could be prevented annually. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts are the most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injuries.
State and Provincial Laws
Forty-nine U.S. states and the District of Columbia require all drivers to wear seatbelts. States with primary enforcement — where police can pull you over solely for not wearing a seatbelt — have usage rates 13% higher than those with secondary enforcement. Laws vary by location, so always check the rules where you're traveling.
Make It a Habit
Whether you're driving your own car or a rental, always obey seatbelt laws. Make buckling up the first thing you do every time you get in a vehicle. Ensure all passengers are buckled before you start driving. It's a simple action that takes seconds but can be the difference between life and death in an accident.
No matter how short the trip, always wear your seatbelt. It's the simplest and most effective safety step you can take.
Review our rental car safety tips and make safety a priority on every trip.