Seat Belts are Vital

Here at the Injuryboard there are regularly stories about highway deaths. Looking closer at the stories, it is clear that many who have died were not wearing seat belts. Eight of Minnesota’s first 10 motorists killed in 2012 were not buckled up.This is a troubling trend for 2012.

Of the 932 vehicle occupants killed from 2008 to 2010, the state says 45 percent were found to be properly belted. More People must buckle up.

One way to do this, was to make not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense. In other words, police are allowed to stop a person for not wearing a belt and not as a add on offense after a stop for another reason. While there are always concerns of new simple excuse to stop more cars, these death numbers support the law change.

The Department of Public Safety says, we could save 30 lives and prevent up to 400 serious injuries per year because of this law. The potential savings in emergency responses and medical expenses could make a real difference. This trend will need to be watched closely.