Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Compared to other U.S. states, Missouri’s rate of seat belt use is low. On average, only 76 percent of Missourians wear a seat belt when driving, compared to an average of 86 percent of users in other states. Drivers of cars and SUVs are more likely to wear their seat belts, while drivers of trucks and teenage drivers are least likely to wear them. Some common myths about seat belt use include:

If my car has airbags, I don’t need a seat belt. Airbags and seat belts work together to protect you in a crash. In addition, without a seat belt, you may slide under or be thrown away from the airbag, losing its protection.

I don’t want to be trapped if my car catches fire or goes underwater. In a fire or underwater crash, your survival depends on staying conscious so you can escape. If you’re not wearing a seat belt, the initial impact might knock you out - and destroy your ability to save yourself.

I’ll be thrown clear of a crash if I’m not wearing a seat belt. Being thrown from a crash rarely happens. When it does, your chances of being scraped or hitting your head on the pavement, being thrown into the windshield, or being crushed by another vehicle are very high. A seat belt keeps you inside the car, where you are less likely to suffer these kinds of injuries.

Seat belts cause more damage than they prevent. In serious crashes, the seat belt may cause injuries. However, these injuries are usually only minor scrapes or bruises. Suffering a small injury to avoid a serious one - or even death - is a trade that benefits you.

Practicing regular safety measures like wearing a seat belt can help reduce your chances of serious injury or death in an accident. If you are injured in a car crash, however, the experienced Missouri car accident attorneys at Page Law can help you hold any negligent parties accountable for their acts. For a free consultation, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515.