Q: What is the Connecticut seat belt law?

A: Drivers and front seat passengers MUST wear safety belts. All rear seat passengers aged 4-16 years old.

Q: What is the fine for not wearing a seat belt?

A: A $92 fine.

Q: If I'm in a serious crash, what difference will a safety belt make?

A: It could be the difference between life and death. Safety belts when used properly reduce the number of serious traffic injuries by 50% and fatalities by 60-70%. Safety belts improve your chances of traveling safely in many ways. They can:

Stop the "human collision"

Many injuries or deaths occur when a person inside the car collides with:

	the steering wheel
	the dashboard
	windshield and frame
	a door
	a window
	the roof
	other passengers

A safety belt stops this human collision by holding you in place. An internal collision occurs when the organs and bone structure of your body is altered due to the crash. The internal collision affects the brain, bony parts of the skull, and all internal organs. Wearing a seat belt can protect your body in the event of a crash.

Keep you inside the car

You are 25 times more likely to be killed or injured if you're thrown from the car. If you are thrown "free" you may be thrown into:

	the path of your own car if it rolls over
	traffic
	a tree, guardrail, telephone pole or other object.

Spread out the force of a collision

	A safety belt stops you from moving after the car has stopped so the force of the collision is lessened.
	A safety belt spreads the force of the collision over the strongest parts of your body-your hips and shoulders.

Keep you conscious

Since safety belts prevent the "human collision," there's a better chance you'll remain conscious. If you remain conscious, you can:

	release your belt in an instant
	take action to help yourself and others.

Help keep you in control

In an emergency, safety belts keep you behind the wheel and ready to react if necessary. Being in control can help you keep minor crashes minor or avoid them altogether.

Prevent minor injuries

	bumps
	bruises
	cuts
	sprains
	facial injuries.

Safety belts often prevent these injuries-and the pain, lost income, medical bills and higher insurance rates that go along with them.  All vehicle occupants should be properly buckled up for every trip.

Click here for information on how seat belts work.