No matter your personal feelings about seat belts, many studies and crash test results prove that your chances of surviving a Virginia Beach car accident are greater if you are wearing a seat belt. In addition, studies show your chances of being injured are reduced as well.
Myths about Seat Belts
Despite the studies, people, for whatever reason, are still not convinced they should wear or be required to wear a seat belt. Some fall prey to the many myths that exist concerning seat belts. Here are four popular seat belt myths:
- There is a high risk of being trapped in your car. Many people envision a scenario in which their car is on fire or they're sinking in water and find they are unable to take off their seat belt. It actually takes less than a second to take off a seat belt, and a seat belt reduces your risk of being knocked out in a collision.
- They are good for long trips, but not required when driving around town. This belief couldn’t be further from the truth. According to most experts, more than half of fatalities involving motorized vehicles occur within 25 miles of the victim’s home.
- I’m only going to the store. My child or little sibling does not need to be secured in a safety seat. Again, most fatalities occur near home. No matter how far you are traveling, state law requires all young children to be properly secured in a child safety seat. Car accidents are considered the number-one preventable cause of death for children.
- There is a high probability of being thrown from a vehicle in a crash and not suffer a serious injury. Statistics show that you are five times more likely to survive a crash if you are not thrown from your vehicle.
If You Have Been Injured in an Accident
No matter what safety precautions you take, a car accident can leave you seriously injured. You might be able to hold the other driver liable for your injuries. That is why you should call an experienced Virginia Beach personal injury attorney who can help you build your case.