Archive for December 13th, 2010

Seatbelt usage on the rise in Connecticut. What’s driving this trend?

Seatbelts save lives. You’ve probably heard this slogan before. But it’s easy to forget sometimes just how important seatbelts can be in serious accidents, especially if you’re a safe driver who has never had an accident.

Seatbelts reduce the number of serious traffic injuries by 50 percent and fatalities by 60 to 70 percent, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

According to the latest survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 83 percent of Americans wore their seatbelt while riding in a car in 2008. That’s the highest rate ever according to NHTSA statistics.

As seatbelt usage has increased, the fatality rate for motor vehicle accidents has steadily declined. In 1994, just under 60 percent of motorists wore seatbelts. That year, the fatality rate for car accidents stood at 1.4 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the standard measurement for accidents. By 2006, the fatality rate dropped 21 percent to 1.1 deaths and 80 percent of motorists wore seatbelts.

Safety advocates have linked this sharp decline in fatal accidents to increased seatbelt usage. One reason why more people wear their seatbelts may be because they must do so by law. States like Connecticut have primary enforcement seatbelt use laws. This means police can pull someone over in Connecticut for not wearing their seatbelt and issue them a $92 fine. States with primary seatbelt laws report that 88 percent of motorists wear seatbelts. States without such laws report that 75 percent of motorists wear seatbelts.

Seatbelts save lives. Most people drive responsibly. But accidents happen. What would you do if you were injured in a car accident? How would you pay your bills? What if your insurance company refused to cooperate? Who would you trust to get answers for your important questions? Relax. We can help. We’re the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Our lawyers have years of experience successfully representing car accident victims in Connecticut. Allow us to evaluate your case for free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Contact Salomone & Morelli. We’re on your side.