National Seat Belt Day announced

News Top Stories Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp CINCINNATI — New reports showed that close to half of people killed in crashes on U.S. roadways were not wearing seat belts. Due to the severity of the issue, AAA named Saturday, Nov. 14 “National Seat Belt Day” to promote safety restraints while driving. Chelsea Sick, public and government affairs manager for AAA said, “On Nov. 14, National Seat Belt Day, and everyday, AAA urges every person traveling in a vehicle to buckle their seat belts and have children in an appropriate child safety seat, every trip, long or short.” Sick added, “You never know when a crash can occur, and seat belts give you the best chance to avoid serious injury or death.” According to 2024 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide seat belt use was estimated at 91.3% while Ohio’s rate was 85.2%. “Everyday, people get into their vehicle assuming they’ll arrive safely,” Sick said. “The tragedy is that many of those who die in crashes never thought they needed a seat belt for that trip, “A seat belt takes seconds to buckle, but it can be the difference between walking away and never coming home.” The NHTSA estimated using seat belts reduced the risk of death for front-seat occupants by 45% in cars and 60% in trucks. It also estimated seat belts saved nearly 458,000 lives between 1968 and 2019. Featured Local Savings