If 90% of Americans used their seat belts 5,500 lives would be saved and 132,000 injuries would be prevented in the event of a car accident. In 2004, seat belts saved over 15,000 lives, and if all passengers were wearing one over 21,000 more lives could have been saved. 60% of children who died in car accidents were not wearing a seat belt. The cost of not using a seat belt is even higher if you're in an accident than if you were using one. On average medical attention costs 50% more for non-belted drivers than drivers and passengers using their seat belt. Young passengers and drivers up to age 25 are less likely to use their seat belts, despite their higher risk of a car accident.

Perhaps the most high profile incidence of non-seat belt use is New Jersey's Governor Jon Corzine's car accident last summer. Corzine was being driven speeds in excess of 90 mph when his driver swerved to avoid another vehicle. Corzine, who was not wearing his seat belt, was thrown around inside the Chevy Suburban resulting in a broken leg, several ribs, and fractured vertebrae.

Its important to use the seat belt correctly. This may seem a no-brainer but many people are not wearing their seat belt in the proper fashion, resulting in injury that could have been avoided in an accident. The shoulder belt should cross the shoulder between the arm and neck, and the lap belt should be worn low, touching the thighs. If the seat belt is indeed worn correctly injury will be prevented in a few different ways:

Preventing Ejection People who are thrown out of the vehicle are 4 times more likely to be fatally injured, and are 14 times more likely to suffer a cervical spine injury than passengers that remain inside the vehicle.

Force of Crash Force of crash is placed on the strongest parts of the body, primarily the hips and shoulders which puts less strain on a single part.

Protection Protection of the head, neck, and spinal column. The shoulder belt keeps the head and upper body from striking any hard parts inside the car.

Maryland law requires drivers and front seat passengers to wear their safety belts. This is considered a primary law meaning drivers can be pulled over and issued citations for this offense alone. Due to these laws, seat belt usage has risen 13%. Drivers and front seat passengers found to not be wearing a seat belt will each be fined $25. Drivers will be fined $48 for child passengers 15 and younger.