The use of a seatbelt reduces the likelihood of being killed in a crash by up to what percentage?

The use of a seatbelt is a critical safety measure that significantly reduces the risk of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Studies have shown that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the likelihood of being killed in a crash by approximately 50%. This statistic underscores the importance of seatbelt usage in preventing serious injuries and fatalities.

When a vehicle collides, individuals who are not wearing seatbelts are much more likely to be ejected from the vehicle or suffer severe impacts with the interior of the car, which can result in life-threatening injuries. Seatbelts help to secure occupants in their seats, spreading the forces of a crash across the stronger parts of the body and reducing the risk of injury or death.

While a 25% reduction in fatalities signifies an improvement in safety, it does not capture the full extent of the protective benefits that seatbelts offer. Similarly, while a 75% or even 100% reduction would imply near-total prevention, these figures do not align with real-world data, which consistently shows that around 50% is a reasonable estimate of the effectiveness of seatbelts in preventing fatalities in crashes.