Seat belts are mandatory safety devices that come standard in all modern vehicles. Every seat in a passenger vehicle should have a safety restraint. The law in Iowa does require that certain vehicle occupants use their seat belts every time they are in a moving vehicle.
However, state lawmakers have introduced an act that could significantly expand the existing seat belt law. This new statute could have a profound impact on survival rates and injury risk levels in the event of a motor vehicle collision.
What does the new bill propose?
Current Iowa statutes require that all children who are under 18 wear seat belts whenever they ride in motor vehicles. Those driving motor vehicles or riding as front seat passengers also have an obligation to wear seatbelts, regardless of their age.
Under the new bill, every vehicle occupant has an obligation to wear a seat belt regardless of their age or their location in the vehicle. The goal is to reduce both traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The consequences of failing to follow the law include a $70 fine for adults who do not wear safety belts and a $135 fine for failing to secure children in a vehicle.
Lawmakers hope that reducing the number of injuries and fatalities that occur during traffic collisions could theoretically reduce the cost of insurance across the state over time as well. Should the bill pass, motorists may need to adjust their conduct to ensure that they use their seat belts and that their passengers do as well.
Why focus on seat belts for safety?
Seat belts may seem like a remedial or base-level safety precaution, but they truly have a profound impact on overall traffic safety. According to Drive Smart Iowa, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of a serious crash injury by 50%. Researchers also estimate that the use of safety restraints saves 140 lives in Iowa every year.
If a crash does occur, people injured have rights regardless of whether or not they’ve complied with seatbelt statutes. People injured in motor vehicle collisions can theoretically take legal action against the driver who caused their recent car crash. Those hurt in car crashes can schedule a free consultation with Norris Injury Law Group by calling 515-395-9805 or clicking here to learn more.