Legal Effects of Seat Belt Non-Use

Since the advent of seat belt installation as a requirement for passenger automobiles, the legislative and judicial branches of government have been forced to address the legal effects of non-use where this results in otherwise avoidable injuries or deaths. Seat belt use will substantially reduce the number of automobile related injuries and deaths. Analysis of existing legislation and judicial precedents shows that the “seat belt defense” or the effect of non-use is being recognized. Considerable further attention to legal solutions is required if the benefits of such use are to be promoted so as to reduce injury and limit industry's liability.