During the past month, our teams have been focused on properly wearing seat belts and compliance with the Seat Belt Absolute. It is THAT important. Seat belts are your last line of defense when an unexpected event occurs on the roadway. It CAN happen to you!
Even when following all the Smith Keys®, incidents still happen. Being properly restrained behind the wheel of the vehicle you are driving helps you maintain control and keeps you inside, where you are better protected.
Review of Statistics
- 91% of Americans consistently wear seat belts, but that still leaves millions at risk.
- In 2023, 10,484 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
- Among young adults aged 18–34, a staggering 60% of those killed in crashes were unbuckled.
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re lives lost that could have been saved with that one click.
Why It Matters
Spending the month discussing seat belts and the proper use of them is vital to building a world-class EHS Culture that will not tolerate at-risk or unsafe behaviors. If the wheels are rolling, seat belts are required.
Buckling up should be automatic, every time. That click should be music to your ears, whether you’re a seasoned driver, a new driver, or a passenger hopping into the cab for a ride-along, your safety starts with that click.
Let’s carry the momentum forward. Share the message. Set the example. And remember: It’s not an option, it’s an ABSOLUTE.