San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Buckle that seatbelt, it could save your life

The leading cause of death in young adults has consistently been fatal car crashes. While tragedies can’t always be avoided, there are simple little things passengers can do to minimize them.

By wearing a seatbelt and cutting back on bad habits like texting and driving, you can make a difference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seatbelt usage reduces injuries and deaths in crashes by about 50 percent.

The CDC also states young adults ages 18-24 have the highest crash-related injury rates of all adults. Adults of these ages are also less likely than any other age goup to wear their seatbelts.

This correlation relates directly to students here at San Diego State. Our age group has statistically shown its distaste for wearing seatbelts. When asked about this, some students have said they simply don’t like them. Others pointed out wearing seatbelts can actually cause fatal injuries in crashes, and that some accidents have caused seatbelts to trap passengers inside the vehicle.

These points are fair; yes, the apparatus is flawed.

However the impact that seatbelts have on passenger safety can’t be dismissed. Studies have consistently shown fewer fatalities in seatbelt-wearing passengers than those who went without them.

Students should especially be cautious with their seatbelts. We are in an environment with congested traffic and students are more prone to drinking and driving.

In these situations, wearing a safety harness is the least you can do to ensure everyone’s safety.

The facts give two sides to the argument, but the question still stands: Should you wear a seatbelt?

The problem here is although there are some flaws in their design, seatbelts save lives.

They can be the difference between life and death for you and your loved ones.

As young adults we often feel invincible, always thinking, “It’ll never happen to me.”

If you’re that lucky, is your little sister? We forget we set examples for the people around us. Are the children you nanny that lucky?

When you get into a vehicle, it’s a given that you have a responsibility as a driver on the road. You also have a responsibility as a passenger, and your body can act as a dangerous force against other passengers in an accident.

Your actions are another force, setting the example for the people around you and in the moment, possibly changing the fate of someone else in the car.

Accidents are just that: accidents. They happen with no warning or reason, and they happen to everyone, so wear your seatbelt.

If not for you, for the person next to you.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Buckle that seatbelt, it could save your life