Seat Belt Usage Up in Arkansas, Missouri

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 5:58 AM

A new report shows more people are buckling up in Arkansas and Missouri over the past decade.

Quote Wizard recently published a new report using data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to evaluate seat belt trends in all 50 states. The full report includes a state-by-state breakdown of seat belt use, detailed information on seat belt use laws by state and data on unbuckled fatalities.

Researchers found that seat belt use has increased by as much as 17% in some states over the past decade, despite a decrease in seat belt usage for five states.

The report states Arkansas has increased its seat belt usage by 14% since 2012, the third-best among U.S. States. Seat belt use has also increased by 10% in Missouri since 2012, the seventh largest increase nationwide. According to the report, seat belt usage in Arkansas and Missouri is around 82% and 88% respectively.

Despite the increased usage of seat belts in both states, Quote Wizard reports hundreds of traffic fatalities in 2019 from unbuckled drivers and passengers. The report says nearly 60% of traffic fatalities in Missouri from 2019 involved people who were unrestrained, while 47% of traffic fatalities in Arkansas involved unrestrained drivers and passengers.

(From KTLO)

More from Local News

Branson Landing Blvd. Lane Closure Wednesday

The City of Branson Public Works Department will close the sidewalk and right-hand lane of Northbound Branson Landing Blvd. for work along the Hilton Promenade Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Boil Water Orders in Southwest Missouri

Two Boil Water Orders are in effect for southwest Missouri.
Imagine Dragons Coming to Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

A pop group about the release a new album is the latest act scheduled to perform during the first full season of shows at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale.
Talented Performers Shine on Stage at Historic Owen Theatre This Weekend

On Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th at 7:00pm, two talented casts of 37 area residents will participate in an entertaining and heart warming talent showcase at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.
Lolo Jones Delivers Message of Determination During FCA Awards Banquet

A three time Olympic Athlete shares her story of the highs and lows of her career and how her faith has carried her to a audience of over 400 people at last week's South Central Missouri Fellowship of Christian Athletes Awards Banquet.