Five Seatbelt Facts That Will Convince You to Buckle Up
Each year, seatbelts save the lives of approximately 15,000 people. Given the overwhelming evidence showing the safety ramifications of wearing a seatbelt, thousands of people still choose not to buckle up. As of 1986, Tennessee law requires vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt, with law enforcement issuing tickets to unbuckled individuals. In this blog, our Nashville car accident attorneys discuss Tennessee seat belt laws and the benefits of wearing a seatbelt.
It is the Law
Tennessee is a primary seatbelt state, requiring drivers and passengers ages four and older to wear a safety belt at all times when the vehicle is in motion. As the driver, you can be ticketed for any minors who are not properly restrained. Car occupants must wear whatever types of belts come equipped with the vehicle, which typically includes both lap and shoulder belts. In recent years, law enforcement has doubled down on the issue, with fines starting at $30 and increasing to $55 for repeat offenders.
You are Safer
There are a host of reasons not to buckle up, but all of these pale in comparison to reducing your risk of fatality. In fact, wearing a seatbelt has been shown to reduce front-seat passenger fatalities by as much as 45%, with critical injuries being reduced by 50%. By not wearing a seatbelt, you risk being propelled into hard surfaces within your car or even being ejected from your vehicle.
It is Easy
When you get into your car, make it a habit to buckle up before starting your vehicle. This one simple act can significantly reduce your chances of being seriously injured or killed.
It Makes Airbags More Effective
Many folks do not realize that airbags are meant to be used with seatbelts. If you are unrestrained, a deployed airbag could seriously injure you. That is because a seatbelt keeps you in the ideal position for your airbag to adequately protect you. Next time you consider not wearing a safety belt, reconsider if the risk is worth it.
It Will Likely Reduce Your Damages
As if reducing your chances of severe injury is not enough to convince you to buckle up, wearing a seatbelt can reduce your out-of-pocket costs, known as damages. Although TN Code §55-9-604 prohibits evidence that a person was not wearing a seatbelt as part of a personal injury suit, the seatbelt defense is allowed in vehicle defect or design cases. By choosing to wear a safety belt, you have a decreased risk of suffering serious injuries, saving you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost income.
Aggressive Representation from Our Nashville Car Accident Lawyers
Even if you consider yourself a cautious driver, you do not know what actions other motorists are going to take. While electing not to wear safety restraints will not bar you from compensation, it could result in an arduous physical recovery. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville car accident attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice, forcing the liable driver to pay for your injuries. If you are interested in learning how we can be of assistance to you, contact us online or by phone today.