In 2011, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 11,949 lives. Seat belts have saved nearly 66,000 lives during the 5-year period from 2007 to 2011. These annual estimates of lives saved, shown in Table 1, have been produced by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis since 1975. The estimates are calculated using the effectiveness of each device or law that is mentioned. More information on the methodology of lives-saved estimates is available in two NHTSA publications, Lives Saved FAQs (NHTSA, 2009, DOT HS 811 105), which answers 30 common questions about lives saved and includes references to many other reports on lives saved; and Lives Saved Calculations for Seat Belts and Frontal Air Bags (Glassbrenner & Starnes, 2009, DOT HS 811 206, NHTSA), which describes in detail the methodology of estimating lives saved by seat belts and frontal air bags. In addition to the 11,949 lives saved in 2011 by seat belts (occupants 5 and older), 2,204 lives were saved by frontal air bags (occupants 13 and older), 1,617 lives were saved by motorcycle helmets, 533 lives were saved by 21-year-old-minimum-drinking-age laws, and 263 lives (4 and younger) were saved by child restraints (child safety seats and lap/shoulder belts). An additional 3,384 lives would have been saved in 2011 if all unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts; and if all motorcyclists had been helmeted, then an additional 703 lives would have been saved. (Author/publisher)
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