The more you drive, the easier it is to become complacent behind the wheel. Most adults in Iowa climb in and out of their vehicles so often that they forget the risk they take every time they hit the road.The fact is, thousands of Americans die in crashes every day, and many of them could have been saved if they had taken the necessary safety precautions. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 21,022 people who died in road accidents in 2014, almost half were not wearing seatbelts at the time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that state laws requiring drivers to wear seatbelts while driving are highly effective for reducing the number of car accidents. However, 1 in 7 motorists admit to driving without using their seatbelts regularly.
Even if you buckle up, a serious accident can still cause tragic injuries. If you were the victim of a negligent driver in Iowa, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC
Our legal team will help you claim compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with a Cedar Rapids accident lawyer.
Quick Guide to Iowa’s Seatbelt Laws
Seatbelts play a major role in reducing the extent of injuries in a crash. They also hold a driver in the ideal position to react to unexpected hazards. For these reasons, Iowa Code 321.445 states that all drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seatbelts while their vehicles are in forward motion (this does not apply to motorcycle drivers and passengers).
Here’s the real kicker: In Iowa, failing to wear a seatbelt will give a police officer probable cause to pull you over. You may have to pay a fine for the violation.
There are, however, exceptions to this rule. For instance, you do not have to wear your seatbelt if:
● You are a passenger in an emergency vehicle while involved in a crisis situation;
● You are using your vehicle for work, and are required to climb in and out of your car frequently in the course of your duties;
● Your passenger car was manufactured before 1966, or you are driving in a truck that was manufactured before 1972;
● You have a Department of Transportation-authorized exemption letter;
● Or you are seated in the front of a vehicle designed to fit a collapsible wheelchair.
It’s easy to forget or overlook the importance of wearing your seatbelt while driving. Unfortunately, all it takes is one negligent motorist to cause a tragedy – and if that happens, you’ll be glad you buckled up.
If you were hurt in a crash that another driver caused, contact a personal-injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident lawyer will assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.