Interpretation of Alabama’s Safety Belt and Child Restraint Laws

Section 32-5B-4 Requirement of front seat occupants of passenger cars to wear safety belts; (a) Each front seat occupant of a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his body at all times when the vehicle is in motion. Violators face a fine of $25 http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/136439.htm

Exemptions An occupant of a passenger car who possesses a written statement from a licensed physician that he is unable for medical reasons to wear a safety belt. A rural letter carrier of the United States Postal Service while performing his duties as a rural letter carrier. A driver or passenger delivering newspapers or mail from house to house. Passengers in a passenger car with model year prior to 1965. Passengers in motor vehicles which normally operate in reverse. (Backseat passengers 15 years old and older are not required to use a seatbelt.)

Safety Belt Facts 80% of all collisions occur at speeds under 40 mph. People riding in front seats account for more than 90% of passenger car deaths. When properly adjusted, lap and shoulder belts cut the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a collision by 55%.

Facts continued… In 2006, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts. Lap-shoulder belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%. Six out of ten children who died in passenger vehicle crashes were unbelted. (National Highway Traffic Safety 2006)

Facts continued… Seatbelts lessen the chance for the driver or passengers will be thrown against the dashboard, through the windshield, or out a door that has sprung open in a crash. Also, seatbelts help keep you behind the wheel and in control of the vehicle in the event you have to swerve, brake abruptly or are struck by another vehicle.

Child Restraint Laws in Alabama younger than 1 or less than 20 pounds in a rear-facing infant seat;

Child Restraint Laws cont… 1 through 4 years or 20-40 pounds in a forward-facing child safety seat;

Child Restraint Laws cont… Children 5 years old are required to sit in a booster seat.

Car seat accessories

Discussion What are some other features that protect you and your passengers from injury?

Safety devices Lights Windshield wipers and washer fluid Sun visors Defroster Rearview and side view mirrors Air bags Head restraints Door locks Structural features