In response to an increase in traffic fatalities in 2020, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding residents to wear a seat belt.
Last year, there were 1,073 fatalities among people not wearing seat belts, a 16 percent increase. In 2019, there were 926 fatalities.
“This past year, we have all been reminded of the simple acts we can take to protect our lives and those of our loved ones,” James Bass, TxDOT executive director, said. “Wearing a seat belt is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves from serious injury or even death in a traffic crash. Instead of putting yourself and others in danger, remember: buckle up day and night, every rider, every ride.”
Wearing a seat belt in a pickup truck reduces the risk of dying by up 60 percent in a crash, while wearing a seat belt in a passenger car reduced that risk by up to 45 percent.
In 2020, nearly 50 percent of all pickup drivers killed in crashes in Texas were not wearing a seat belt, and pickup truck drivers and passengers use seat belts at lower rates than other drivers, according to research.
In addition, 59 percent of fatal crashes involving unbuckled drivers or passengers occurred at night.