Abstract
In 2016 the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,668 lives of occupants 5 and older. An estimated 2,756 lives of occupants 13 and older were saved by frontal air bags. An estimated 328 child occupants 4 and younger were saved by the use of child restraints, and 1,859 lives were saved by the use of motorcycle helmets. An additional 2,456 lives would have been saved in 2016 if all unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts. Similarly, if all motorcyclists had been helmeted, then an additional 802 lives would have been saved. An estimated 552 lives were also saved due to minimum-drinking-age laws. (Author/publisher)