In 2008, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 13,250 lives. Seat belts have saved over 75,000 lives during the 5-year period from 2004 to 2008. These annual lives saved counts, shown in Table 1, have been produced by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis since 1975. The counts are estimates that are calculated using the effectiveness of each device or law that is mentioned. In addition to the 13,250 lives saved in 2008 by seat belts (occupants 5 and older), 2,546 lives were saved by frontal air bags (occupants 13 and older), 1,829 lives were saved by motorcycle helmets, 714 lives (age 18, 19, and 20) were saved by 21-year-old-minimum drinking age laws, and 244 lives (4 and Lives Saved in 2008 by Restraint Use And Minimum Drinking Age Laws under) were saved by child restraints (child safety seats and lap/shoulder belts). An additional 4,152 lives would have been saved in 2008 if all unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts. If all motorcyclists had been helmeted an additional 823 lives would have been saved. (Author/publisher)
Abstract