803 unbelted rear-seat passengers died in 2018; more than 400 should have survived

803 unbelted rear-seat passengers died in 2018; more than 400 should have survived

(Charles Rex Arbogast, AP Photo, File)


1 photo
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

DETROIT (AP) — More than 800 rear-seat passengers who weren’t wearing seat belts were killed last year in U.S. traffic crashes, and a highway safety group says states aren’t making enough progress in getting people to buckle up.

The Governors Highway Safety Association says in a report released Monday that more than 400 of the 803 people who died would have survived if they were belted.

The association put out a report in 2015 drawing attention to rear seat-belt use. But it says that since then, only two more states have enacted rear seat-belt laws.

The group, which represents state highway safety offices, says 20 states still don’t have laws requiring rear belt use. Of the 30 states with laws, it’s not a primary offense in 11 states, meaning that police can’t stop a car if rear-seat passengers are unbelted.

According to the association, the number of rear-seat passengers killed in crashes dropped from 883 in 2013. But surveys have found that rear-seat safety belt use dropped from 78% in 2013 to 76% last year.

The federal government is seeking public comment on a rule requiring automakers to warn drivers if rear passengers aren’t belted. The comment period expires on Nov. 26. A law requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to enact the rule was passed by Congress in 2012.

Photo: Governors Highway Safety Association
Photo: Governors Highway Safety Association

The association recommends that states enact laws allowing police to stop vehicles when rear passengers aren’t wearing belts, and that they publicize the benefits of buckling up in every seat position. It also is urging automakers to install rear seat reminders in their vehicles.

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety website, "ALL passengers must wear seat belts in all seating positions and children up to age 8 must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat. If you or anyone in your vehicle aren’t properly restrained, you can be issued a $45 citation."

Photo: Governors Highway Safety Organization
Photo: Governors Highway Safety Organization

Contributing: Linda Williams, KSL.com

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photos

Related stories

Most recent U.S. stories

Related topics

U.S.Business
The Associated Press

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast