Is it really a big deal if you do not wear your seat belt?

Mar 7 2019      On Behalf of  David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.      Uncategorized

When you rush out of the house to go to work, pick up the kids from practice or get to the store before it closes, you might not always click your seat belt. Especially if you are staying close to home or not getting on the highway, you might think it is not a big deal.

Yet, you are probably familiar with Illinois’ “Click It or Ticket” campaign. And you likely always buckle your children into their seats correctly. However, if you are not in the habit of wearing your own safety belt, it might be good to think about the consequences you could face.

Possible repercussions of not using your seat belt

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of one and 54. And buckling up is one of the simplest, yet most effective safety measures you can take before heading out onto the road.

There are three things you might think about the next time you get behind the wheel:

• Seat belts save lives and reduce injuries. Safety belts save more than 13,000 lives per year. Designed to minimize movement in an accident and keep you inside your vehicle, seat belts work with your airbags to protect you during a crash.
• Illinois has primary seat belt laws. This means that a law enforcement officer (LEO) has the right to pull you over and ticket you if you are not wearing your safety belt.
• Your insurance premium could increase. Your insurance company might raise your premium by up to four percent if you violate the state’s seat belt laws.

Considering the potential safety and financial concerns related to not using your seat belt, you would be wise to buckle up next time you get into a vehicle.