According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) figures
released recently, seatbelt usage has gone up to a record high of 80
percent, up from 70 percent in 2000. DOT also reports that the current
fatality rate of 1.48 deaths per 100 million miles driven is the lowest
since it started keeping records. In 1975, the rate was 3.35 fatalities
per 100 million miles driven.
Seatbelt use is considered to be the single most important thing
drivers and passengers can do to prevent serious injury in car
accidents.
