It is that time of year, time for “Click it or ticket!” Yes if you do not wear a seat belt, you better do it for the next two weeks.
Per the National Highway and Traffic Administration, “Seat belts are the single most effective safety technology in the history of the automobile. A NHTSA study of lives saved by vehicle technologies found that, between 1960 and 2012, seat belts saved more lives—329,715, to be exact—than all other vehicle technologies combined, including air bags, energy-absorbing steering assemblies, and electronic stability control. Of course, seat belts have been available much longer than many of the other safety features the study reviewed. But they remain your first line of defense in a crash and your first step toward safer driving.”
And yet with all the extra police enforcement people here in my state, New Jersey, we have a compliance rate of 87.6 percent in the last year they have data on. And yet back in 2011 seat belt compliance was 94.5 percent. New Jersey has a primary seat belt law and it is enforced, especially during this two week period.
So the ‘Click it or ticket’ campaign does not seem to encourage people to use their seat belts. My question is are we just ignoring the facts or is this a matter of personal choice? Many do not understand that airbags require you to be wearing your seat belt to properly protect you in the event of a crash. Without being belted in you could move around the car compartment and either be ejected or injured by colliding with some part of the interior.
I personally wear my seat belt as a normal part of my driving. To me it does not matter if I have only going to the local grocery store or driving across the state. Some drivers feel that if they are near their home that nothing will happen to them. Well that is a misconception, in fact the closer you are to home the more there is a chance of an accident happening.
From a lawyer’s site, “Figures provided by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reveal some interesting facts about car accidents. Of all collisions that occur in the United States, approximately 52% occur within a 5-mile radius of home while an astounding 69% occur within 10 miles.” So do not think that you should not buckle-up when near home!
Wearing your seat belt is a personal choice. One that comes with the possibility of you’re being hurt because of not buckling up. So while there is a choice, make the right one! Buckle up.
That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike
