Citing rising passenger fatality rates among unbuckled passengers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging motorists to think safety at all times.
“In 2020, fewer people wore seat belts and unbuckled passenger fatalities were up 15%,” the government agency posted on Twitter. “Whether you’re heading out on a trip or just a short trek to the store, always wear your seat belt and insist your passengers to do the same.”
As it is, NHTSA data shows the national seat belt use rate stood at 90.3% in 2020, with seat belt use in passenger vehicles being credited with saving in the neighborhood of 14,955 lives as recently as in 2017.
“Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time,” the agency added on its website.
