According to statistics from the Louisiana police department, 684 people have died in a vehicle collision this year so far. Fifty-five percent of these drivers who died were not wearing their seat belts. Fifty-six percent of passengers killed in these car crashes were not wearing these restraints either. A police department spokesman said, “Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent.”
And yet many people on the road act as if this statistic is not significant. Many people think that an airbag is all they need, until they learn too late that the impact of a collision can send someone flying over their airbags or fling them around the bag. Not only can seat belts save lives, but they may even be able to prevent injuries altogether in some crashes.
In spite of the grim statistics above, there has been progress in this area, as 82 percent of Louisianans are following seat belt laws. This is a record high. This could point to the success of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If someone is found to be breaking this law, then there is a $25 fine; repeat offenses will of course incur steeper fines.
There is much that people can do to prevent casualties on the road. Simply remembering to buckle up can save numerous lives. That being said, there are still times when accidents are unavoidable on your end. When another driver on the road is reckless, or driving while intoxicated, then you or a loved one may suffer catastrophic injuries. Perhaps you have lost a loved one in an accident. For such injurious or fatal accidents, you may be owed compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. If you have any questions about filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, then do not hesitate to contact Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. Our Shreveport personal injury lawyers have decades of legal experience with which to help you.
