The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute provides that the state of Michigan had 876 fatal crashes[1] resulting in 947 deaths in 2013. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts [2] (NHTSA) provides that in fatal crashes in 2012, 79 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from vehicles were killed.
Ejection from Michigan Vehicles
Ejection from the vehicle is one of the most injurious events that can happen to a person in an accident. In passenger cars, 18 percent of fatally injured occupants were ejected (totally or partially) from the vehicle, while 34 percent of those killed in light trucks were ejected. The NHTSA further states that seat belts are effective in preventing total ejections. Lap/shoulder seat belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. In 2012 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,174 lives of passenger vehicle occupants.
Michigan Safety Belt Rules
Michigan seat belt law[3] provides that law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up. The law requires:
- Passengers 8-15 to buckle up in all seating positions.
- Drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled up.
Michigan's child passenger safety law requires:
- Children younger than age 4 to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.
- Children to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.
Michigan Automobile Accident Lawyers
It is important for all drivers and passengers to use safety belts in order to remain safe, to reduce the risk of injury or death in a vehicle accident and to fully comply with the terms of the Michigan Safety Belt Law. Even if you are wearing a safety belt, you may be involved in a vehicle accident and sustain serious injuries. If that occurs to yourself or someone you know, it is important to speak to a Michigan automobile accident attorney. Call the Michigan Injury Lawyers so they can discuss your case. Please feel free to call our office today at 313-GET-HELP for a free consultation with no obligation.
References:
[1] http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/state-by-state-overview/2013
[2] http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812070.pdf
[3] http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(zjgnxfiyoq40b2fca1rpcuyf))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-257-710e&highlight=
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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