PRIORITY AREA
Using seatbelts
Seat belts are your best bet.
Data trends
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93.3%
Washington had a 93.3% seat belt usage rate in 2023.
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83%
Only 83% of back-seat passengers wear their seat belts.
The law
Proper fastened safety restraint.
Washington Seat Belt Law
Everyone in a motor vehicle must wear a properly fastened safety restraint.
How you can help
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Wear your seatbelt
It’s the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
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Set an example
Make sure you wear your seatbelt around your friends and family. For parents, know that children are always and watching and learning from you.
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Speak up
If someone in the car with you isn’t wearing their seatbelt, kindly ask them to do so. An uncomfortable conversation could save a life.
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Discuss with family
Talk to your family about seatbelt rules, for example, leaving the car off until everyone is buckled.
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Protect babies and young children
For car seats, make sure your child stays in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Many communities have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can ensure car seats are being used properly.
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Check your employer’s seat belt policy
Ensure they have measures to promote a safe, responsible workplace. If not, encourage them to create one with the help of our toolkit.
Campaigns
A flexible module for current campaigns, downloadable materials, community actions, and partner resources.