Recent data shows that more and more people are buckling up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belt usage has increased to 84 percent, a new record high. Each percentage point is said to represent 280 additional lives saved from these crucial safety device.

Seats belts have been widely used for over a decade, and since 1994 deaths stemming from unrestrained passengers have decreased dramatically. Many states now have laws enforcing seat belt use which has helped to improve how many users are using seat belts, and the fatality rate is also lower in those states. Seat belt usage also varies by region points out one dealer specializing in Pittsburgh used Mercedes-Benz, with the highest usage rates in Western states.

Seat belt use also varies by the type of vehicle as well. For example, a higher percentage of seat belt use is found among passengers of minivans and SUVs which does not surprise Pittsburgh Nissan dealers. Occupants of minivans and SUVs typically include families and those who purchase a car with child safety in mind.

Pioneered by Volvo, the three-point safety belt is by no means a new safety device. However, Boston Toyota believes that the seat belt will continues to be regarded as the most important automotive safety device. And with wider seat belt use, fatalities are decreasing which just goes to show how important this device is despite the range of more recent technologies and safety innovations.

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