Do you remember Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies who played principal roles in the influential seat belt campaign of the 1980s?
Between 1982 and 1988, seat belt usage by vehicle passengers increased from 11% to 47% in the U.S. While we can’t credit Vince and Larry for the entire hike in seat belt safety, they certainly played a role in getting the message out.
The CDC says that seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50% for drivers and front-seat passengers. Seat belts have saved 255,000 lives in the U.S. since 1975.
In Canada, Ontario was the first province to pass a primary seat belt law in 1976. It is now the law throughout Canada. South of the border, 19 states still don’t require you to buckle up.
Seat belt safety remains an ongoing concern. In 2009, more than half of all people killed in car accidents were not properly restrained. That’s 16,000 fatalities that could have been prevented.
For this reason, we remind everyone of Vince and Larry’s message. Buckle up, whether in your own vehicle, a friend or family member’s vehicle, or in a taxi.
#SaveALife. #PlayItForward.
For More Information:
- Seat Belt Education, Advertising Educational Foundation
- Embrace Life – always wear your seat belt
