Arizona

Do Arizona Seat Belt Laws Need Changes for Better Safety?

January 18, 2019

One person is killed on Arizona roads every nine hours. While many of these
fatalities result from speeding, impairment, or other reckless driving activities, a
significant number of motor vehicle deaths result from lack of seatbelt usage.
Unfortunately, although it only takes a few seconds to strap on a seatbelt, statistics show
that this simple action is often ignored. Now more than ever Arizona road safety
advocates are pushing for a legal changes in order to protect drivers and passengers alike.
Specifically, they are launching a campaign that urges states like Arizona to take action
and responsibility for lives on the road by implementing stricter and more comprehensive
legislation.

Arizona has recently had a spike in fatalities that have increased by 7% since
2015. The fact that Arizona is one of about twenty states that do not have a rear seatbelt
law in effect undoubtedly contributes to this increase. However, it is evident that many of
these fatalities would be wholly avoidable if Arizona would simply implement its own
rear seatbelt laws. One telling statistic from the Governors Office of Highway Safety
indicates that 87% of drivers wear their seatbelts in adherence with Arizona’s seatbelt
laws. It is not a stretch to say that a similar percentage of backseat passengers would
follow suit if the law required them to do so.

As Arizona Injury Lawyers, our job is to be there for you in the event that you
suffer personal injuries. However, at Torgenson Law, we also strive to do our part in
helping Arizona residents avoid personal injuries altogether. It goes without saying, that
you should always wear a seatbelt when you are driving or riding in a vehicle. For one,
your seatbelt could be the difference between life and death. Also, you are less likely to
suffer major injuries if you are strapped to your seat. Furthermore, it is important to
remember that Arizona is a comparative negligence state. This means that in the event
that you are injured in a car crash, your personal injury damages will be reduced by your
percentage of fault. Insurance companies and Arizona juries are less likely to grant you
the compensation you deserve if it turns out you were not following vehicle safety
regulations or otherwise contributed to your injuries by not wearing a seatbelt. So,
regardless of whether Arizona chooses to adopt rear seatbelt laws, you should never have
to think twice about wearing your seatbelt at all times.

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a car crash it is important to
obtain experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. At Torgenson Law, we
handle car crash cases every day, and we are the best at what we do. Do not hesitate to
submit your case on our website or call at (602) 726-0747 for a free review, and as
always, remember to buckle up!

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