ThinkFirst

• About Us
• Changing Lives
• Calendar of Events
• Support Us
• Contact Us
• Before You Drive
  • Buckle Up
  • Avoid Distractions
  • Drowsy Driving
  • Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
• Dive Safe
• Before You Ride
• Before You Drink
• Before You Encounter Violence
• For Kids
• For Parents
• For Educators
• For Legislators
• Get Free Music
• Videos

Buckle Up

When you get into your car, what is the first thing you do? If it's not putting on your seatbelt, start making it your new habit. Failing to buckle your seatbelt plays a role in more vehicle deaths than any other safety-related behavior. Check out these facts from the Iowa DOT:

• Three out of four people who are ejected from a vehicle during a crash will die as a result
•  Your chances of surviving a crash are up to 70 percent better if you are wearing a seatbelt
• Seatbelts, when used, are the most effective safety feature ever introduced for vehicles
•  An estimated 9,500 lives in the U.S. are saved each year by wearing a seatbelt
• The fine in Iowa for not using a seatbelt is at least $127.50

Iowa law requires all front seat passengers to buckle up. Backseat passengers are required by law to buckle up if under the age of 18. No matter the age, it's always wise to buckle up.