According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA), wearing your seat belt serves as the single most effective way to reduce the risk of death and injury in a vehicle crash. Since 1975 seat belts are responsible for saving nearly 300,000 lives! This month on the blog we’re discussing the most important safety measure for both passengers and drivers alike. You guess it – seat belts!
THE FACTS
Research has shown that when used in the correct way, seat belts significantly lower the risk of critical to fatal injuries in car accidents. The NHTSA says that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45%, critical injury to front-seat car passengers by 50%, fatal injury in light trucks by 60%, and critical injury in light trucks by 65%.
Vehicle ejections are one of the leading causes of death in auto collisions. In fact, more than 75% of ejected passengers die from their injuries. Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected. Those who don’t wear a belt are nearly 30 times more likely to be thrown from the vehicle than those that do.
No matter how you choose to look at the statistics, it’s clear that wearing a seat belt is always a good idea.
SAFETY TIPS
While it may seem like common knowledge, there’s no harm in reviewing the proper way to strap a seat belt. After buckling in make sure the shoulder harness is sitting comfortable and snug across your chest and shoulder. You want to keep a minimal amount of slack in the belt. Your lap belt should also be secured both snuggly and comfortably in a low position across your hips. Wearing your belt in any other position increases the risk of injury and death in a collision.
Each state varies when it comes to regular and child seat belt laws. We suggest heading on over to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to see what your state requires. Here in Hawaii, both front and back-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts. According to Hawaii’s DMV children under the age of 4 must be secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must ride in either a booster or car seat.
Fastening your seat belt is the most important safety step that both vehicle drivers and passengers will take. No route or destination is worth the risk of driving without a seat belt. Let’s help to reduce death and injury in vehicle collisions by reminding those around us to buckle up. Yes, it’s the law, but it can also save your life.
Get More Tips From K.W. Auto Body
We love to help our customers to simplify their lives. Check out more tips, tricks & hacks from our experts to help you to stay safe and drive with aloha.
Reminders For The Road
While vehicles are constantly changing, our concern for safety on the road remains the same. Here at KW Auto Body, we’re constantly reminded of the distractions that make their way into vehicles – you name it, we’ve heard it. Below are three reminders for the road that every driver needs to hear.
3 Quirky Automobile Add-Ons
Did you know that 17% of car owners decorate their ride with some sort of sticker decal? How about that 25% name their car? Here at KW Auto Body we’ve come across our fair share of personalized automobiles. This month on the blog we’re lightening up the top of conversation with 3 quirky auto add-ons.
Checking and Changing From Home
When it comes to upkeeping and restoring your vehicle, it’s easy to drop your car off at the local repair man without thinking twice. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are many small repairs and maintenance tasks that can be completed with a few tools, and the will to learn in the comfort of your own garage. While you aren’t expected to know how to fix your entire car, it’s helpful to know a few tricks and tips to keep you driving – and more importantly, driving safely. Below is a list of parts you can check and change from home.
The 411 On Driving Below The Speed Limit
Most people know that driving over the speed limit heightens your chance of causing or being in an accident. Speeding also leaves the roads less safe, which therefore puts your life as well as the life of others at risk. But what many drivers don’t know or don’t think about as often is that driving well below the speed limit is also unsafe. This month on the blog we’re hoping to help you define the guidelines for driving under the speed limit – how slow is too slow, and how do I know?
Choosing A Mechanic
I think we can all agree that there are few things in our daily lives that are as frustrating as car repairs. Most repairs sneak up on us, and it’s important that we know whom to go to for help. While we focus on auto body work here at KW, we understand that finding a qualified, reasonable and trustworthy mechanic is crucial. This month on the blog we’re asking ourselves a few important questions before choosing a car mechanic.
Driving Distractions And How To Avoid Them
As of today, we can expect to see an increase of mainland visitors in Hawaii. More tourists in the state also brings more drivers on the road. And more people behind the wheel will also increase the amount of distractions you may encounter while driving. This month on the blog we’ll be discussing the three main distractions while on the road and how to prevent them.
Featured Services
We’ve got you covered! Our dedication to fast and friendly service means getting you back on the road as quickly, conveniently & safely as possible. No matter what repairs your car needs, K.W. Auto Body has got you covered.

Computerized Estimates
We offer C.C.C.ONE estimating system along with digital imaging.

Paint & Refinishing
We use Standox and a computerized paint matching system.

Auto Body & Collision Repair
We use Pro Spot Aluminum weld station for specialized repairs.

Unibody & Frame Repair
We are trained to use the car-o-liner computerized measuring system.
Jumpstart Your Repairs
You were in an accident. We're here to help. We are a full service auto body shop and are committed to serving you. Let's get you in the shop and back on the road seamlessly and quickly. Give us a call today!
Product
Features
Integrations
Solutions
Resources
Partners
Blog
Help Center
Connect
