Seatbelt Safety: Reduce The Risk Of Fatal Car Accident Injuries In Atlanta

Atlanta car accidents can have devastating consequences for drivers and passengers involved. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your safety.

Seatbelts are required under Georgia law, but many motorists are unaware of the risks or underestimate the role seatbelts play in saving lives. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer explains why you need to prioritize wearing one and other ways to protect yourself on the road.

When Atlanta Car Accidents Happen, Seatbelts Help Save Lives

Motor vehicle crashes are violent events. Much of the trauma victims suffer after a car accident in Atlanta is from being thrown about as a result of the impact. Wearing a seat belt provides security and reduces the risk of life-threatening harm.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, close to forty percent of fatal car accident victims did not wear a seat belt at the time. Ways buckling up helps protect you include:

• Seatbelts prevent injuries from airbags;
• Seatbelts prevent you from hitting the dashboard, windshield, or other parts of the car;
• Seatbelts distribute the force of a collision, minimizing harm;
• Seatbelts keep you securely inside the vehicle and reduce the risk of being ejected;
• When you wear a seatbelt, you are less likely to get thrown into other passengers, protecting everyone in the vehicle.

Taking a few seconds to buckle up before hitting the road and requiring all passengers in your vehicle to do the same dramatically increases your risks of surviving even an otherwise severe car accident in Atlanta.

Georgia Seatbelt Laws and Other Reckless Driving Behaviors to Avoid

To protect public safety and reduce car accident risks, Georgia law requires all motorists, passengers in the front seat of moving vehicles, and anyone under 18 to wear a seat belt. Flaunting this law can result in serious fines and penalties. In the event of a crash, in addition to causing potentially life-threatening injuries, not wearing a seatbelt could leave you paying out of pocket for all the costs involved.

There is no disputing seatbelts save lives. At the same time, be aware of and avoid other behaviors that increase Atlanta car accident injury risks. These include:

• Aggressive driving, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, and failing to yield;
• Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, adjusting controls, or anything that diverts your attention from the road;
• Driving while under the influence, which impacts your vision, judgment, and reaction times;
• Speeding, which increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries.

When Injuries Happen, Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Is Here To Help

Car accidents in Atlanta can cause devastating injuries, even if you were wearing a seatbelt at the time. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact Shiver Hamilton, LLC. We hold those at fault accountable and fight to get you the maximum amount in a claim. Serving Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties, request a consultation today.

Sources:

gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2021-Risky-Driving-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts-updated.pdf

dps.georgia.gov/111706-operation-click-it-or-ticket#:~:text=Children%20ages%206%20through%2017,vehicles%2C%20including%20sport%20utility%20vehicles.