Seat Belts: Everybody’s Wearing Them (Almost)

Q; I’ve seen a lot of commercials reminding us to wear seat belts lately. Is that really still a problem? Doesn’t everyone wear a seat belt now?

A: You’re close. Almost everyone in Washington buckles up. Seat belt use in Washington is at about 95 percent. That’s seven points higher than the national average. Given that the use rates are so high, it seems like we could call it a win and move on. However, there is a caveat. (There always is, isn’t there?) Continue reading “Seat Belts: Everybody’s Wearing Them (Almost)”

Why Are Seat Belts Mandatory?

Q: Why are seat belts mandatory when it affects only the person who chooses not to wear it? I’ve heard of people who survived crashes by being thrown from the car while the passenger using the seat belt died. Or people who drown because they crash into water and can’t get their seat belt off. I think I should be able to make my own personal safety decisions.

A: Where do I start? Let’s take a look at the numbers. Last year 567 people were killed in traffic crashes in Washington. Of those who died, 113 were not using a seat belt.

Right now some of you who just read that are thinking, “If 80 percent of the people who died in car crashes were wearing seat belts, doesn’t that mean not wearing a seat belt is five times safer than wearing one?” Nope, and here’s why: About 95 percent of all drivers in Washington wear a seat belt, leaving 5 percent as non-users. Those non-users make up 20 percent of traffic fatalities. Continue reading “Why Are Seat Belts Mandatory?”

Embrace Life

I chose to start the PSA Smash Up with this one, because it gets me every time. This PSA conveys a powerful message without the need for a graphic crash scene. I think it works because we can relate to the relationships. And really, the main reason to drive safe is to get home to the people you care about.