Since 1995, the state of New Hampshire has been the only state that does not have a law requiring car drivers to wear their seat belts.  New legislators hope to change that to prevent the amount of wrongful deaths that result in car accidents were drivers and passengers are not wearing their seat belts.

The seat belt is a simple safety tool that has the greatest impact on car crashes and whether or not a simple car accident becomes a fatal car accident.  According to a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 15,000 lives were saved from automobile accidents when seat belts were used in 2007 .

Opponents to new legislation in the “Granite State” are rock solid in their argument that the new law is unnecessary.  Supporters of the new law say it will save the lives of thousands involved in automobile accidents in New Hampshire where at least 70% of car accidents caused severe personal injury or fatal car accidents because seat belts were not used.

New Hampshire Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan says she is not against the new law, but due to increasing population in the state, “someone needs to set the ground rules.”  Some that are against the legislation say there is no evidence fatal car accidents in the state are higher because of a lack of seat belt use.

The seat-belt legislation that calls for a $25 fine for the first violation and a $50 fine for the second has already passed one vote of the House three weeks ago and has to pass a second before going to the senate.

Laws are passed to protect the public all the time.  But how is it that in the 21st century this discussion could take place when there is so much scientific data supporting the use of seat belts?  Certainly, the State of New Hampshire as well as the federal government would save billions over many years in needless medical bills, not to mention both adult and children’s injuries that come with accidents of this ilk.

Our firm’s car accident lawyers cannot stress enough the value of using seat belts every time you get into an automobile.  Seat belts are important when you go to the grocery store, when you go on longer trips and everywhere in between.  In California alone, nearly 1,800 lives were saved in car accidents where drivers used their seat belts.

No matter what state you happen to be in or what car you happen to drive, always buckle up and always make sure that you have the best car insurance policy that you can find.

Call us now at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer and find out how we can help you. We speak English and Spanish, and we look forward to providing advice for your case.  No fee if no recovery.