According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the national estimate of seat belt use by adult front-seat passengers has increased over a period of 15 years. As a result, there has been a steady decline in fatalities from occupants not using seat belts. What is more interesting is that the survey also found that seat belt use for occupants in the west regions had increased significantly more than compared to the rest of the regions; mainly because these states enforce seatbelt laws more rigorously as compared to states that are more relaxed in their enforcement of seatbelt laws and in some states none at all. (Sources from NHTSA).

Everyone, including Pregnant Women, Should Always Wear Seat Belts

Everyone should wear a seat belt when inside a moving vehicle. There are no reasons to NOT wear your seat belt. Doctors recommend pregnant women should wear seat belts through all stages of their pregnancy. There are literature and illustrations on how to properly wear seat belts for pregnant women. (Source from NHTSA).

Fitting a Child Correctly in a Seat Belt

As per NHTSA recommendation, for your child to properly fit in a seat belt, he or she must be tall enough to sit without slouching and be able to:

  • Keep his or her back against the vehicle seat;
  • Keep his or her knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat; and
  • Keep his or her feet flat on the floor.

Additionally:

  • The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
  • The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest, and not cross the neck or face.
  • Never let a child put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind the back because it could cause severe injuries in a crash.
  • Keep your child in the back seat because it is safer there.

Remember to always check your child’s belt fit in every vehicle. (Source from NHTSA)

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