Polyester Saves Lives

Sophie Murray

 Polyester Saves Lives

The difference between life and death is a two-inch wide, gray polyester strap woven from 300 warp strands sewn onto a little metal buckle clicked into the side of a seat. It is the difference between coming home to a steamy home cooked meal with the family after a long day or a long night spent at the police station. And the difference between spending the night with a loved one wrapped up warm and cozy on the couch or a night spent in the emergency room hooked up to life support. The belt that rubs against our shoulder or pinches the skin of our neck is the reason our families can live another day with the peace of knowing that at 6pm you will walk through the front door and greet them. My Mother instilled in me the value of a seat belt growing up and I am thankful that her lesson has kept me safe from motor accidents. 

In 2017 alone nearly 40,000 people were killed in fatal car accidents. 47% of which were not wearing seat belts. An estimated 15,000 of those lives could have been saved if they had been wearing a seat belt. More than that, 15,000 families would still be able to see their children, mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends. The ramifications of not wearing a seat belt goes beyond statistical evidence and affects our personal lives. The mental and emotional toll caused by the passing of a loved one is no comparison to the “inconvenience” many teenagers claim of a seat belt. Not only is it the responsibility of the driver to ensure a safe ride experience, it is crucial that they set a virtuous standard for what is expected when riding in a motor vehicle. No matter how skilled the driver, accidents will happen and it is imperative that the operator and passengers alike are properly protected with a seat belt. 

Drivers ED programs are exceptional at teaching young adults the skills they need to operate a car on the road for the safety of themselves and the people around them. However, what Drivers ED cannot teach is how to control other drivers. ED programs across the country need to start implementing and emphasizing the importance of seat belts. In an event where another driver is being irresponsible, the best way to protect yourself from an accident is to properly secure your seat belt. Because the young brain is not fully developed, oftentimes teens view the use of a seat belt optional or not important. For this reason, in order to ensure the lives of these teens and future adult drivers, ED programs must implement measures to show youth that a seat belt is the best way to keep yourself and others safe while driving. Presentations need to be put together to emphasize the devastating effects not wearing a seat belt has on real lives. The fatal statistics of the 40,000 accident victims that could have been prevented with proper safety measures must be shown to these teens so they are able to understand the gravity these features have. Young adults today need to be taught that wearing a seat belt is not optional, but a vital tool to keep themselves safe.  With just this small change in how Drivers ED programs are taught, 15,000 people will get to see their family another day. I implore teachers and young drivers alike to take those couple seconds out of their day to be mindful of themselves, their friends and family and wear a seat belt.