How many fatalities are safety belts estimated to prevent each year?

The estimate that safety belts can prevent around 15,700 fatalities each year is based on extensive research and statistics related to traffic safety. Safety belts are designed to keep occupants within the protective confines of the vehicle during a collision, significantly reducing the risk of ejection and serious injury. The use of safety belts has been shown to lower the chances of death and severe injury by restraining the occupant’s movement and distributing the forces experienced during a crash across sturdier parts of the body.

Statistical analyses by organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have consistently highlighted the life-saving impact of seat belts. Data indicates a direct correlation between increased seat belt use and reduced fatality rates on the roads. While other figures pertaining to fatalities prevented may seem plausible, the consensus in safety data supports the estimate of approximately 15,700 lives saved annually due to the proper use of safety belts.