Fatality risks in accidents are reduced by approximately 45% when occupants wear seatbelts. Specifically, for front-seat occupants of passenger cars, buckling up reduces the risk of fatal injury by about 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%
. For center rear seat passengers, 3-point seat belts reduce fatality risk by about 58%, while lap belts alone reduce it by about 48%
. In SUVs, vans, and pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by about 60% for front-seat occupants and by 75% for center rear seat occupants
. Overall, seat belts are the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in crashes, cutting fatal injury risk roughly in half across various seating positions and vehicle types
. This consistent reduction in fatality risk underscores the critical importance of wearing seat belts during every trip.
