In the past three years, America has seen an exponential increase in the use of seatbelts. Mississippi specifically has seen a 5% increase in seatbelt use since 2002. This is great news for Mississippi, but our work is not over yet. There are still many people in our state who do not use seatbelts. In 68% of car accidents fatalities occurred when the driver or passengers were not restrained. That’s a massive statistic, and action still needs to be taken to prevent these wrecks from happening.

What can you do to help Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi educate people on wearing their seatbelts? It’s simple. Talk to your friends, families, and loved ones about the serious risk they take by not wearing a seatbelt. Share these five potent facts with them, and others, to help spread the word about seatbelt safety. Together we can make a difference in Mississippi and the country.

1. According to the CDC, Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%.

2. James Madison University’s statistics state that for every one percent increase in safety belt use, 172 lives and close to $100 million in annual injury and death costs could be saved.

3. Also according to James Madison University, of every 100 children who died in motor vehicle crashes at least 80 would have survived had they been properly secured in an approved child safety seat or safety belts.

4. Approximately 35,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes each year. About 50 percent (17,000) of these people could have been saved if they had worn their safety belts. (James Madison University)

5. Also from the CDC, Adults who live in rural areas are 10% less likely to wear seat belts (78% use) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87% use). 

These facts are shocking, and relevant. People need to be educated on the risks involved in not wearing their seatbelts when in a motor vehicle. At Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi we want to help the people of Mississippi and the United States drive more safely to avoid serious accidents. Anyone can help see that car wrecks are avoided; all it takes is your voice! Please share these statistics with your friends and loved ones so everyone can be safe on the roads this year.