Seat belts are made to save lives but do they work?

Seat belts function by stopping you from moving forward once the end of the seat belt hits the feeding mechanism, which works as an outside force stopping you from moving forward in an accident. History proves that they do their job quite well, as survival rates are much higher while using a seat belt. But, you have to be wearing it to benefit.

People in Alaska and the nation have increased their seat belt usage in recent years. Although we are a large state, fatal accidents are far less frequent than in other states.

But, there were 79 fatalities in 2020, 12 more than the previous year despite decreased driving during the pandemic lockdown. Deaths related to driving have increased due to DUI/lack of seat belt.

Alaska has seen an 18 percent seat belt usage growth over eight years. Primarily because of increased enforcement. Homer specifically has seen a 10 percent growth over the same time. Hopefully, the trend continues upward, leading to fewer crash-related deaths in the state. The state sees fewer traffic fatalities because of the enforcement of these laws.

Seat belts may not be a full-proof solution for preventing death; but, studies show it decreases the chance of fatality by a staggering 37%. As statistics of crashes show that while not wearing a seatbelt, the likelihood of death increases to nearly 50 percent! Whereas the average while wearing a seat belt is only 10 percent. 

You can help reduce fatalities by teaching your peers and children to follow precautions including seat belt usage.