Nighttime Crashes Linked to Lack of Seat Belts
Posted by
Drew DixonMay 23, 2008 11:55 AMTags:
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This past Monday the National Highway Safety Administration released a report stating that more than two-thirds of young drivers and passengers killed in nighttime car crashes weren't wearing seat belts. This report should be an important reminder to all of us that teenagers don't always listen to parent's advice.
Though seat belt is on the rise nationwide, the fatality figures of teens killed in nighttime crashes continues to raise concern as the Arkansas State Police launches it's annual "Click-it or Ticket" program. Total seat belt use rose to 82 percent last year, up slightly from 81 percent in 2006. Twelve states had rates above 90 percent, while Arkansas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire were all below 70 percent in total seat belt usage.
However, recent rise in total seat belt usage does not transcend to nighttime teenage drivers. Sixty-eight percent of drivers and passengers between the ages of 16 and 20 who were killed in car crashes at night in 2006 were unbuckled, claimed the National Highway Safety Administration. And Another statistic showed that 57 percent of the young motorists killed during the daytime were also not wearing seat belts.
The problem isn't just with teens though. The percentage of unbuckled drivers and passengers who died at night is well over 60 percent through the age of 44, and it declines to around 50 percent for people older than 44.
If you would like more information on statistics related to seat belt usage and tips for teaching your teenagers proper techniques for driving check out www.teendriving.com.