Traffic Safety Concerns

Seatbelt Usage

Overview

Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective safety tools on the road. Wearing one cuts the risk of death by 45% in cars and 60% in pickup trucks. Yet Nebraska ranks second to last in the country for seatbelt usage at 80% versus the national average of 91%.

%

not wearing a seatbelt in fatal crashes

What You Can Do

For Drivers

  • Buckle up every trip. Most deadly crashes happen close to home, when people are least likely to wear a belt.

  • Wear it right. A lap belt low across the hips and a snug shoulder belt across the chest — not tucked behind your back.

  • Check passengers. Make sure everyone, front and back, is buckled before you drive. Objects in your car, including passengers, can become projectiles in the event of a crash. 

  • Model safe habits. Kids and teens copy what they see; consistent seatbelt use sets the standard.

For Employers