According to Newton’s first law of motion, an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. In car crashes, the point of impact becomes an unbalanced force. When the vehicle stops abruptly, people inside the vehicle will continue to move forward.
Seatbelts are designed to offset people continuing to move forward in a crash and save lives. When you do not wear a seatbelt, your body continues to move forward in a crash. Serious injuries may be caused from hitting the steering wheel, dash, windshield or other windows. Further, someone not wearing their seatbelt in a crash can be ejected from the vehicle or become projectiles, injuring themselves or others.
Proper Use
Seatbelts are designed for adult use. The belt should fall at the shoulder and pelvis bone. These two points are most capable of withstanding an impact better than other parts of the body because they are stronger. When seatbelts do not fit properly, the point of impact changes and can cause additional injuries. Further, seatbelts protect more vulnerable areas such as your brain and spinal cord because the risk of head injuries decreases.
In Alaska, wearing a seatbelt is the law and it saves lives. The risk of death and serious injury is reduced by 45% when drivers and passengers wear a seatbelt. The driver is also responsible for all passengers under the age of 16 years old. Alaska law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under 4 years old. Passengers aged from 4 to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate. Protect yourself by wearing a seatbelt and protect your loved ones by requiring them to wear a seatbelt in your vehicle.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
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