What are the Legal and Personal Dangers of Not Wearing Your Seatbelt in Arizona?

Wearing a seatbelt every time you get into is not just a smart choice but one that may also be required by law depending on where you are in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelt use reduces the risk of serious injuries in a car accident and reduces the risk of death for front-seat passengers by as much as 45%. In 2015, 48% of those individuals who were in an accident and were the victim of fatal injuries did not use their seatbelt.

Even though it is well-known and documented that seatbelt use makes a difference in injury and death statistics, many Americans don’t use them. Across the nation, it is estimated that approximately almost 28 million people will not wear their seatbelts when they are in a car accident. Many states have enacted seatbelt laws aimed at lessening the catastrophic aftermath of car accidents and keeping residents safe. Arizona is one of those states where seat belt use is required.

What Are the Seatbelt Laws in Arizona?

States that choose to put forth seat belt related legislation are eligible for grant programs by the NHTSA. In 2018 there were over 1,000 people who died in Arizona car crashes. 

When it comes to seat belt laws, states can choose to be primary or secondary enforcement states. Primary enforcement states allow the authorities to pull a car over simply for not wearing their seat belt. Secondary enforcement states will only allow authorities to issue citations if they notice there is no seat belt being worn after the driver is pulled over for another offense. In Arizona, the authorities can only cite you for not wearing your seatbelt if they have pulled you over for another offense because Arizona is a secondary enforcement state. Every passenger in the car should be wearing a seatbelt so that all car occupants can stay safe in the event of an accident. Specifically, drivers must make sure that passengers under 16 have their seat belts on.

Individuals who are older than 16 and sitting in the front passenger seat without a seatbelt are subject to being cited. The only time that Arizona law enforcement can pull a driver over when there is a seat belt infraction is when it comes to children. Little children that are smaller than 4’9” and younger than eight years old who are not secured in the proper child restraint system is reason enough for an officer to pull over drivers and cite them. The cost of the fine could be up to $50.

If You Have Been in an Arizona Car Accident You Need Legal Representation

Seat belt use is extremely important for your safety and those that are in your car with you when you are on the road. If you are hit by another driver and injured, but you did not have your seat belt on, you could jeopardize your ability to recoup costs to help you pay for your damages and injuries. The Phoenix automobile accident injury attorneys at ELG will be able to examine your case and advise you on your options for compensation.

Working with an experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure that you can obtain a fair settlement. The Arizona personal injury lawyers at ELG will fight aggressively on your behalf so that your legal rights are protected. Call ELG at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation.