You might have seen these warnings, to wear a seat belt or get a ticket, while driving on the highway or around town. In both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt. If you do not, a ticket can be issued. Moreover, a seat belt could prevent serious injury to you or your passengers in the event of a car accident. These accidents can cause serious injury and if you were injured in one, a Coventry car accident lawyer can help.
Can You Automatically Get a Ticket For Not Wearing A Seat Belt?
It depends on which state you are in. Rhode Island has primary seat belt laws that allow a police officer to ticket a driver or passenger for not wearing a seat belt without any other traffic offense. In essence, not wearing the seat belt is the offense and an officer can automatically issue a ticket. On the other hand, Massachusetts has secondary seat belt laws that only allows a police officer to issue a seat belt ticket along with another traffic violation. In addition, each state has their own child seat belt laws. These seat belt laws dictate how old the child should be when using a seat belt, what type of restraining device should be used and where they should sit. Check with your state’s seat belt laws for more details.
Why Should You Always Buckle Up?
Aside from receiving a ticket, you should always buckle up for safety reasons. In the United States, car accidents are a leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 34. Seat belt use has been shown to be the simplest and most effective way to decrease car accident injuries and deaths. In fact, lap and shoulder seat belts can reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent and decrease the risk for moderate injury by 50 percent. Drivers or passengers who do not buckle up are also 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle. This is particularly dangerous because 3 out 4 people who are ejected from a vehicle, die from their injuries. Seat belts and restraint systems can also protect children. Placing children in the correct car or booster seat could reduce serious injuries by more than half. Child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. The bottom line is that seat belts can protect all occupants and prevent injury in a car accident.
Contact a Coventry Car Accident Lawyer
Wearing a seat belt will help you avoid getting a seat belt ticket. However, they do not always prevent injury in a car accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact one of our experienced Coventry car accident lawyers located at 401 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI 02816. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 401-823-3444 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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