Seat belts are nothing new. Car manufacturers introduced them in the 1970s. Connecticut has required drivers and those in the front seat to use them since 1985. It later became mandatory for children under 16, too. Despite this, the state still allows those aged 16 or over to make up their own mind if traveling in the rear, unless a minor is driving.
Seat belts save lives and reduce injury
Legal issues aside, there is ample proof that seat belts make traveling in a car safer. They reduce injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes. Yet despite this, many drivers and passengers still refuse or forget to wear them.
Connecticut traffic fatalities rose 22% last year. Many of those killed were not wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash. If they had, they might still have been alive.
Persuading passengers to belt up can be challenging
It is not always easy to ensure everyone in your car has their seat belt fastened. Children may complain they are uncomfortable. Elder relatives may point blank refuse and trot out a list of reasons why no one will tell them how they travel. Even your teenager may try to exercise their right to choose as soon as they turn 16 and travel in the back.
Yet, imagine if you have a crash while driving. You would feel terrible if someone without a seat belt was injured or killed. You would wish you had made them buckle up.
You can never account for the actions of all other drivers. Being an excellent driver yourself can never guarantee the safety of your family. You can claim compensation if a family member is injured in a crash caused by another driver. However, you cannot bring them back from the dead or take away the pain and horror of severe injury.