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Virginia Legal News

Statistics Show Seat Belt Use on the Rise in Virginia


Posted on Oct 18, 2011

According to a study by Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, seat belt use has increased throughout the Commonwealth. In 2010, the rate of seat belt use was 80.5 percent and this past year the rate has increased to 81.8 percent. While the highest rate recorded was in 2009, at 82.3 percent, this is still an improvement.

Reports indicate that, as of September 8, 2011, there were 448 traffic fatalities in Virginia this year. Sadly, 194 of the people who died were not wearing seat belts. According to Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Richard Holcomb, since car crashes always come as a surprise, seat belts are the best defense.

According to Virginia state police, motorists wearing seat belts are 40% less likely to be fatally injured in a motor vehicle crash. Alternatively, motorists not wearing seat belts are five times more likely to be killed and three times more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident. In addition, medical bills from collisions in which motorists are not wearing seat belts are twice as costly. As a result, insured drivers who wear seat belts are forced to pay higher premiums to cover the costs of drivers and passengers who choose not to wear them.

If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident in Virginia, contact Norfolk car accident lawyer Michael Weisberg for immediate assistance and answers to your questions. Attorney Michael Weisberg has been representing personal injury victims in southeastern Virginia for over forty years. Call (800) 690-0235 or complete the contact form on this page to speak with a Norfolk car accident attorney. Michael Weisberg has significant experience in representing clients involved in motor vehicle accidents and is ready to help you.

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Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com