Occupant Protection

Seat belt usage has shown to be 45-50% effective in reducing crash fatalities.  In Maryland in 2024 there were 115 crash fatalities where the victim was known to not be buckled in.  With seat belt usage, 50-60 of those lives could have been saved. Setting an example as the driver has shown to be an effective way to encourage seat belt usage among passengers.

Be an influencer. 94% of Maryland passengers buckle up when the driver is buckled vs. only 42% when the driver isn't.

We can’t forget about our littler passengers who aren’t quite ready for the seat belt.  In Maryland, children under the age of 2 are required to be rear facing (the longer, the better).  Children under the age of 8 are required to be in a booster seat (unless 4’ 9” or taller).  If you have questions about what seat your child should be in or how to properly install a safety seat we encourage you to sign up for a free seat inspection (nationally, child safety seats have a 70% misuse rate).  Visit www.mdkiss.org for more information or to schedule an inspection (in person or virtual).