Seatbelts were designed to reduce the risks of serious crash-related injuries and deaths and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they do exactly that. In fact, seatbelts reduce crash-related deaths and injuries by at least 50%. Despite their effectiveness, millions of individuals neglect to wear a seatbelt and, for some, the reason is based on nothing more than myths. It is time to debunk the following myths you might have thought were true about seatbelts and car accidents.

• Myth #1: Seatbelts are unnecessary when a car is equipped with airbags. While airbags are a help, they do not render the use of a seatbelt unnecessary. Airbags are designed to protect buckled drivers or passengers and might even present a danger to an individual who chooses not to wear a seatbelt.
• Myth #2: Seatbelts can cause individuals harm in a crash. Just about anything in your car can cause you harm in the event of a crash, but your seatbelt is one of the few things that might save you or spare you from life-altering injuries.
• Myth #3: Seatbelts can trap you if you end up underwater or in a fire. These types of accidents are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all crashes. Additionally, wearing a seatbelt increases your chances of remaining conscious in the aftermath, which will give you a better chance at escaping.
• Myth #4: Simply being in a truck puts you in a safer environment than being in another type of vehicle. Vehicles like an SUV, pick-up truck, or van might be safer, but only if you are wearing your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt in any of these vehicles reduces the risk of a fatal injury by about 60%.
• Myth #5: If you are not traveling far, there is no reason to wear a seatbelt. Even a quick trip to the grocery store can be dangerous. In fact, most fatal crashes occur within just 25 miles of a person’s home and usually at speeds of less than 40 mph. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, so seatbelts are always necessary.
• Myth #6: Men are better drivers, so seatbelts are not as essential for them. This is false, of course, and there are statistics to prove just how wrong this myth is. 66% of men between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in automobile crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. This is the highest rate of fatality for any age group, putting young men most at risk. Regardless of age or gender, seatbelts are lifesavers and required by law, so always be sure to buckle up. It could save your life in the event of an accident.

Before you embark on any trip, near or far, make sure you and your passengers are all buckled up.

New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney can help. At The Womac Law Firm, we have earned a reputation as a leading personal injury firm in the New Orleans community. Our skilled and experienced legal team has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Contact us today at (504) 470-3935 for a free consultation.