What’s the most basic, most often overlooked, and possibly most important step for a driver to take to prevent injuries or death in a Wisconsin car accident? Two words: Buckle up! Wearing a safety belt means being a more responsible Wisconsin driver. person buckling up seatbelt to prevent car accident

Important, useful facts about seat belt use in Wisconsin

  • According to the National Safety Council, seat belts prevented more than 75,000 deaths between 2004 and 2008. 
  • A 2009 study suggested that more than 1,600 deaths could be prevented and 22,000 injuries prevented if every state saw 90% seat belt use.
  • As of June 30, 2009, the state of Wisconsin requires all drivers and passengers to wear their three-point (shoulder harness) safety belt when the vehicle is moving. Failing to do so results in a citation and $10 fine.
    • If a passenger under age 16 is found not to be wearing a safety belt, a ticket is issued to the driver.
  • Seat belts are required in the back seat where shoulder harnesses are present. 
  • Seat belt use is least frequent among young drivers (ages 16-25). While this group comprises 15% of licensed drivers, it accounted for 25.8% of drivers who were involved in a car crash in 2010.
  • There is a consistent gap of about 10% between genders in regards to seat belt use: The most recent data shows 79.4% of female drivers in Wisconsin using their seat belts compared to 71.5% of males. 
  • Wisconsin seat belt use is lower than the national average (88%) by about 10%. 
  • According to national data, seat belt use is lower in single drivers as opposed to those with passengers. Even if it’s just you in the car, never forget to buckle up! 

Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.