The use of a seat belt, whether on a long trip or just a short drive around town, is the single most effective countermeasure to prevent injury or death in a vehicle crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation, reported a U.S. seat belt compliance rate of 87 percent in 2014; this is a significant improvement from just 20 years before when the rate was 60 percent, and the number of people killed in crashes has dropped significantly in that time period.1 In the past 20 years, much has been accomplished to improve roadway safety, including improved vehicle safety features, ever-expanding emergency medical services, the availability of trauma centers, and an increased awareness of the value of using seat belts through legislative action and effective communications. In addition to these factors, success is owed in no small part to the commitment of law enforcement agencies through their participation in high-visibility enforcement programs like Click It Or Ticket, as well as through sustained enforcement.
