Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, proper seat belt use in Reno is an essential element of preventing serious injuries and wrongful death in the event of a car crash. Since November 14 is National Seat Belt Day, the Reno car accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys would like to remind you just how important buckling up can be. Below is some information and statistics that illustrate why you should wear a seat belt in every car ride you take, no matter how long or short the trip may be.
The History of Car Safety Belts in the U.S.
The modern three-point seat belt was invented in 1959 by Swedish car manufacturer Volvo. The design proved to be much more effective than a standard lap belt–so much so that Volvo, in the interest of saving lives, allowed competing car makers to use its three-point safety-belt for free. Car drivers and passengers all over the world have Volvo to thank for this act of altruism.
Here are some facts and figures on seat belt use in the United States:
- Car manufacturers have been required to include seat belts in new cars since 1968
- The first state to require primary seat belt use was New York in 1984
- 35 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have primary seat belt laws
- 15 states, including Nevada, have secondary laws for adult front seat occupants
- In 49 American states, not wearing a seat belt is a primary or secondary offense
- The “Live Free or Die” state of New Hampshire is the only state where adults (18 and over) are not required to wear seat belts
Related: 5 Seat Belt Myths Debunked
The Laws For Seat Belt Use in Reno
Nevada requires seat belt use for all occupants in vehicles made since January 1, 1968. However, there are some exceptions in Nevada seat belt law. For example, children under 6-years old, that weigh less than 60 pounds, or are shorter than 4’9” must use a child seat or booster seat.
While seat belt use in Reno is required by law, it is considered a secondary offense. This means that not wearing a seat belt cannot be the primary reason that a law enforcement officer pulls you over. However, if you are pulled over for other reasons (speeding, reckless driving, etc.) then you may also be punished for not wearing a seat belt. You may be cited and fined $25 for failing to wear a seat belt in a car in Nevada.
Why Is Wearing a Seat Belt So Important?
Simply put, wearing a seat belt can save your life and prevent you from suffering a catastrophic injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 26,325 passenger fatal car crash deaths in 2021 and that 50% of those killed were not using seat belts. Additionally, the agency reported that in 2017, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts.
What Can I Do to Ensure Proper Seat Belt Use in Reno?
National Seat Belt Day is a good time to review your safety practices and reinforce what you already know. If you have children in your household, it’s important to stress the importance of seat belt use well before they start driving. Here are some things you can do for National Seat Belt Day and throughout the year.
- Always buckle up your seat belt before driving
- Make sure that your passengers are buckled up
- Do not start driving until your passengers are wearing seat belts
- Understand Nevada’s seat belt laws and the laws in any states you’re driving to
- Explain how important seat belt use is to your kids
Contact a Reno Car Wreck Lawyer
The Reno car crash lawyer at Lerner and Rowe hopes that you use this National Seat Belt Day information to maximize your safety while driving. Unfortunately, some collisions will occur due to the negligence or recklessness of other drivers. Should you or a member of your family suffer injuries in a car wreck caused by another party then Lerner and Rowe may be able to get you compensation. Contact us today to explore your legal options.
You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 844-977-1900 and through the Internet via secure contact form or LiveChat. Consultations are free and you don’t not pay a cent unless monies have been recovered on your behalf.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has a documented track record of winning billion-dollar results for injury victims across the nation. Additionally, our team is committed to helping clients carry the emotional burden of their injuries–a big reason why we’ve received stellar reviews from our clients. Remember–one call does it all. A call to Lerner and Rowe may be the most important one you’ll ever make.