Buckle Up: A Simple Habit That Can Save Lives, Importance of Seatbelts and Child Safety Seats

"Buckle up" might seem like a simple reminder, but it's one of the most important habits for ensuring safety on the road. As NBC Palm Springs' Antonio Marquez reports, wearing a seatbelt can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a car accident. Seatbelts are designed to keep occupants secure, preventing them from being thrown against the dashboard, windshield, or even ejected from the vehicle. It’s a critical life-saving tool, and the difference between life and death in an accident could depend on this one simple action.

While the majority of drivers and passengers do wear their seatbelts, there are still some who neglect to do so. "It's that one time when something could happen, and you're not wearing it," Marquez emphasizes. "So you’ve got to make it a habit to always wear your seatbelt, so you can get home safe as well as your passengers."

It's also important to note that seatbelts designed for adults are not safe for small children. Children need specialized safety measures, such as car seats, booster seats, and adapters, tailored to their size, weight, and age. Babies under one year old or weighing less than 20 pounds should ride in rear-facing seats, while children between the ages of one and four should be placed in forward-facing seats. Additionally, children under 12 years old should always ride in the back seat for their safety.

The responsibility falls on adults to ensure that all children are properly secured in the correct safety equipment. The correct use of seatbelts and child restraints can save lives, with the World Health Organization stating that it could prevent more than 1,000 deaths annually in each country. However, the issue of awareness continues to be a challenge.

As Marquez concludes, when you’re driving, always make sure that everyone in the car, including yourself and your children, is properly buckled up. Taking that extra moment to check seatbelts before starting the car can make all the difference in ensuring a safe journey home.