National Seat Belt Day Reminds Drivers to Buckle Up and Stay Safe

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Louisiana — Alright y’all, here’s one that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever hit the road down I-10, headed to Mama’s house, or cruised to the camp for the weekend. Today is National Seat Belt Day, and with the holidays comin’ up, this is a good time to talk about bucklin’ up, ‘cause buddy, that seat belt might just save your life.

Now, I know what you’re thinkin’. “Scotty, I’ve been drivin’ for years and I’m fine.” Sure, but accidents ain’t ever planned. They happen fast, and there’s never enough time to say, “Hold up, lemme grab that belt.” The numbers don’t lie, just over 90% of Americans buckle up, and that simple click saves around 15,000 lives every year. But here’s the sad part: in 2017, almost half of all folks who died in crashes weren’t wearin’ a seat belt. That’s a whole lotta heartbreak that could’ve been avoided.

The History of the Seat Belt.

The seat belt we know today, that three-point one that goes across your chest and lap, was invented 60 years ago by Volvo. Since then, it’s saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Sure, cars have airbags, sensors, and all kinds of fancy safety gadgets now, but none of that means much if you ain’t buckled in. Airbags can only do their job when your seat belt’s holdin’ you in place. Otherwise, that airbag can hit you with more force than a linebacker.

It is our responsibility as parents to educate the children; you are aware that they observe everything we do, so pay attention to them when they tell you to fasten your seatbelt. One of the most important things you can teach children is how to drive safely.

So this today, take a second before you hit that gas pedal. Click it. Every time. You ain’t just protecting yourself, you’re makin’ sure your family gets to hug you again when you get where you’re goin’.

Share the reminder with #NationalSeatBeltDay, and let’s keep everybody safe out there, buckaroos.