Automobile Accidents and Seat Belts

Greg Owen

Attorney

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The use of seat belts is mandatory nationwide with the exception of the state of New Hampshire. It has been noted that the citizens of New Hampshire do not support mandating seat belts, the sentiment being "Live Free or Die." However, there is more to consider. Clearly there are serious financial ramifications to the absence of laws mandating seat belts.

According to seat-belt supporters, it would probably save the state millions of dollars in medical care, not to mention the federal government has promised the state of New Hampshire $3.7 million to change the law regarding the use of seat belts in automobiles. New Hampshire tied with Wyoming for the lowest use of seat belts.

The group, Seat Belts for All, which is a coalition of state lawmakers, public health officials, law-enforcement leaders and others continue to lobby for a bill enforcing seat belts. "That would spare New Hampshire an average of 14 deaths, 335 serious injuries and roughly $75 million in related costs per year, the group estimated. Nationwide, the failure to buckle up cost an estimated $26 billion in 2002, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency."