Buckle Up

What and Where: This is a seatbelt that, since legislation in 1968, is required to be fitted in all cars in America.

How is it an example of Public Health: Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. More importantly, Public Health works to prevent health problems before they occur. This is exactly what a seatbelt does. When using a seatbelt your risk of being killed or sustaining serious injuries in a car crash are reduced by 50%. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages 5 and 34 and millions of serious injuries are sustained every year because of vehicular crashes. Enforcing the use of a seatbelt can save countless lives and prevent injuries. 

Why I chose this example: I chose this example because just this past week my friends got into a serious accident leaving St. Simons, GA. If it wasn't for primary enforcement laws and the teachings of their parents, my friends may not have worn seatbelts and could have been seriously injured. Thankfully they all had their seatbelts on and despite the car being totaled they are completely unscathed. This example of Public Health literally saved their lives. 

Why is it important that others consider this example of Public Health: Using a seatbelt is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in a crash. In 2009, about 450 more lives saved and about 12,000 more injuries would have been prevented if all states had primary enforcement seat belt laws.

Nicole DeLange
Joel Roebuck
Sarah Sanderson