Missouri Falls Behind on National Seat Belt Average
On Saturday night, a 62-year old man from Humansville, Missouri was killed instantly in a one-car crash, according to a News-Leader article. The driver, a 36-year old man from Bolivar, sustained serious injuries and was taken to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. The Missouri State Patrol reported that the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, causing it to overturn and eject the two men. The report also indicated that neither man was wearing a seat belt.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that wearing a seat belt reduces fatal injury risks for front seat occupants by 45%. It is a well-known fact that people over the age of five should wear a seat belt; however, seat belt statistics for Missouri are lacking.
A survey taken in 2008 indicated that an average of 77% of people in Missouri wear seat belts, a statistic that has had minimal improvement since the 2004 survey. Missouri is 7% less than the national average (84%). Changes to Missouri seat belt laws have not had positive reactions, being viewed as overly prescriptive.
In Saturday’s accident, the car overturned, causing both men to be thrown from the vehicle. To increase your chances of avoiding serious injury in rollover car accidents in Missouri, it is important to wear a seat belt. Accidents like these can cause serious brain and spinal injuries, leaving victims and families in distress.
If you or someone you love has been in a rollover accident in Missouri, learn your rights by contacting an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney at Page Cagle. Our knowledgeable team of lawyers has helped many injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Call Page Cagle today at (866) 620-5757 to learn more about how we can help protect your rights.
Source: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20091115/BREAKING01/91115002/Humansville-man-dies-in-one-car-crash; http://www.mpnblog.com/2009/10/show-me-buckle-missouri-seat-belt-use.html
