Seat belts save lives, and reduce the severity of many injuries in a car crash. We’re getting better, but Kentucky needs to buckle their seat belts more often. In 2011, there were 537 people who lost their lives in Kentucky car wreck. Only 230 of these individuals, or 43%, were wearing seat belts. Most people killed in Kentucky car accidents were not wearing a seat belt. The latest year we have data for is 2015. We improved a bit, as 44% of those who lost their lives in a car crash were wearing seat belts. This is a 1% improvement over 5 years, but we can do a lot better.
The percentages for those who were injured are very similar. The fact is you are less likely to be seriously injured or killed in a car accident if you wear a seat belt. After more than 20 years of representing people who are injured in Kentucky and Indiana I can tell you to buckle up. The forces inside a car during a crash are powerful. A person who is not restrained is moved very quickly in multiple directions during the few seconds at impact. This results in multiple injuries that could be avoided. Seat belts help to reduce the injuries to your back and neck. They also keep you in a more protected posture instead of hitting the windshield or one of the support beams in the car.
No one leaves their house expecting to be in a car crash. If you fasten your seat belt you significantly increase the chances of returning home safely. If you are involved in an accident you have a much better chance of reducing or eliminating injury altogether by wearing your seat belt.
Kentucky needs to buckle their seat belts more often to reduce the amount of injuries each year. If you are injured in a car crash caused by someone else I will help to ensure you recover as much as possible to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Always seek medical treatment after an accident (even if you don’t think you were injured) and call me on my phone at [number] for a free consultation.
