The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this year released a survey showing that nationwide seat belt use in 2013 reached 87%. This is a 1% increase from the 2012 survey, and is a record high. The information was collected through the NHTSA’s annual National Occupant Protection Use Survey. Missouri is in the Midwest region of the survey and the region as a whole is below the national average, with 85% usage of seat belts. Missouri’s seat belt safety is even lower than the regional average, according to MoDOT statistics, which show roughly 79% of Missourians use a seat belt. Proper seat belt safety in Missouri, of course, requires the usage of a seat belt. Seat belts often reduce the severity of any injuries suffered during an auto accident and prevent vehicle ejections, which are often fatal, from occurring. In Butler County alone, from 2010-2012, MoDOT statistics show that there were 22 people killed in an auto accident. 14 of those individuals were not wearing a seat belt.

Seat belt and child safety seat use is especially critical for children. Missouri law requires, with regard to safety seats, that:

Children 3 years and younger must be in a child safety seat.
All children who weigh less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat.
Children ages 4 through 7 years who weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds and who are 4’9″ or shorter must be in either a car seat or booster seat.
Children ages 4 and older who weigh at least 80 pounds or who are 4’9″ or taller must be secured by either a booster seat or a seat belt.

Missouri law also requires that with regard to seat belts and children:

Children 4 years and older who weigh at least 80 pounds or who are at least 4’9″ tall must be in either a booster seat or seat belt.
All children 4 years and older who weigh 80 pounds or more or who are taller than 4’9″ must be in a seat belt.
All children 8 through 16 years must be in a seat belt.

Even careful and cautious drivers can be injured in an auto accident caused by another’s negligence. Serious injuries may result, which can take years to recover from, or may permanently change lives forever if the injuries are such that there is no recover possible. Our auto accident lawyers at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, can provide you with the experienced representation you need if you have been injured in an auto accident. To learn more about how we can assist in your case, contact us today.