Seat belt usage in Ohio at 18-year low, study says

WHIO Staff
·2 min read
2

Seat belt usage in Ohio has dropped to its lowest level in nearly two decades.

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The statewide seat belt compliance rate dropped from just over 84% in 2021 to less than 81% in 2022, according to a study by the Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO executive director. “Unrestrained deaths are completely preventable. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash.”

There were 527 people killed in crashes in Ohio where a seat belt was not in use. It marked the third straight year Ohio’s unbelted deadly rate was over 60%.

“Properly wearing a safety belt saves lives and reduces the risk of injuries,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “When a safety belt is properly worn, the potential for crash-related injuries and death decreases dramatically.”

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Ohio remains below the national seat belt use rate of 91.6%, OTSO said.

Trucks had the lowest compliance rates of any vehicle, 76% for heavy trucks and over 77% for light trucks.

“No matter the type of vehicle you’re driving in or the type of road you’re driving on, the best way to protect yourself in case of a crash is to wear your seat belt,” said Davidson. “Unfortunately, so many Ohio families are suffering because their loved ones did not follow this simple step. Last year, 527 Ohioans died because they did not buckle their seat belts – that’s more than one person per day.”

To encourage Ohio drivers to buckle up, local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort.

It is taking place now through June 4, which includes the Memorial Day holiday weekend.