Half of Passenger Occupants Who Died in Crashes Not Buckled Up

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release coinciding with their annual Click It or Ticket Campaign. They’re currently raising awareness of the dangers of not buckling up. In fact, a major part of this year’s campaign is the startling statistic that nearly half of all passenger vehicle occupants who died in a crash were not buckled up in 2021.  

This year, the NHTSA is airing a new national ad, which will be running on digital, paid social media outlets, radio and out-of-home media in an effort to reach a wide audience. Additionally, state and local law enforcement agents in California and throughout the U.S. will be participating in a heightened enforcement period from May 22 through June 4. They will be cracking down on seat belt violations and raising awareness about the importance of buckling up for every trip.

The Data on Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatalities  

  • The number of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes from 2018 to 2021 has increased every year.  
  • In 2018, there were 9,545 unrestrained fatalities.  
  • In 2021, there were 11,813 unrestrained fatalities.  
  • In 2021, 45 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who died in a crash were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.  
  • In 2021, 57 percent of people who died in nighttime crashes were unrestrained, when compared to 43 percent, who died during the day.  
  • In 2021, 60 percent of all pickup truck drivers and 64 percent of pickup truck passengers killed in crashes were not buckled up.  

Car Accidents in Southern California 

After any kind of car accident, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. A lawyer can stay abreast of any investigative developments and fight to get you the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.