Modern vehicles are equipped with many safety features to keep drivers and passengers safe during travel and in the event of an accident. Perhaps the most important safety feature is the seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives and reduces the risk of serious injury.
The CDC reports that “adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.” Long story short – you should always buckle up. In the rare case of a jammed seatbelt preventing a safe escape from a vehicle after an accident, seat belt cutters may be a wise investment for the safety conscious consumer.
It is possible for the seatbelt release mechanism to jam, locking a rider inside his or her belt. When a vehicle has submerged or caught on fire after an accident, this can present obvious risks of injury or death. Seat belt cutters are available in a variety of styles and price ranges to free passengers in just such an emergency. Many of the available blades are curved to minimize risk to anyone trapped in a jammed belt.
Some cutters are equipped with multiple safety functions. Many are available along with different style hammers or window punches to break out a stuck window in an emergency. Blades and window punches are designed to work under water and save a life in an emergency. You can find a reliable blade for under twenty dollars with just a little internet browsing. Many models attach directly to a keychain, keeping them within arm’s reach in the event of an emergency.
No one ever plans to be in a car accident or to be trapped in a car after a collision, but all travelers face these risks every day. It can never hurt to be prepared for an emergency, and if you spend a lot of time on the road, seat belt cutters could be an important tool in your “in case of emergency” stash. Driving a car comes with inherent dangers, and it’s important to take simple precautions.
Although you should never let technology distract you while you’re driving, make sure your phone is charged and accessible so you can call for help if necessary. Always make sure your vehicle is in proper working order and that it meets all relevant safety standards. Never over load your vehicle with passengers or put things in your car that limit your visibility.
The idea of being trapped by a seatbelt is frightening, but you should never let it keep you from buckling up. Seatbelts save lives and prevent injuries every day. Studies have shown that wearing a lap and shoulder belt reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by between 40 and 55%. The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety estimates that seatbelts saved over one hundred thousand lives in the span on 12 years. If you’re worried about being trapped by a jammed belt, buy a seatbelt cutter and do your best to drive lawfully and carefully.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or due to a faulty seatbelt, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer at (312) 236-2900 to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
