Wearing a seatbelt isn’t just about personal safety; it’s a way to show care and responsibility for everyone on the road. Despite evidence that seatbelts drastically reduce the risk of death and injury, seatbelt use in South Africa remains inconsistent. As the sponsor of the Car of the Year competition, Old Mutual Insure is committed to highlighting essential safety features like seatbelts to inspire safer driving practices across South Africa.
“Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death by up to 45% for front-seat passengers and by as much as 75% for rear-seat passengers.”
Why Seatbelts Matter
Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury for front-seat passengers by 45% and rear-seat passengers by up to 75%. The importance of using seatbelts applies in every seat, as unbelted rear passengers can cause serious injury to themselves and others during a crash.
Seatbelt Usage in South Africa
In South Africa, a report by Arrive Alive reveals that seatbelt usage rates range from 45% to 60% among drivers and passengers. Tragically, low compliance continues to result in preventable deaths, particularly during holiday travel peaks. Increasing seatbelt compliance could save thousands of lives annually.
How Seatbelts Work
Seatbelts prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash and distribute the force of impact more evenly, protecting critical organs. Modern seatbelts and other safety features like airbags and pre-tensioners provide life-saving protection.
Takeaway: Make Every Journey a Safe One
Wearing a seatbelt, whether in the driver’s seat or back seat, is a simple yet effective way to show care for yourself and others. Old Mutual Insure encourages all drivers to make this habit a part of their commitment to road safety.
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