Safety on the road starts with the click of your seat belt.

This simple step is a lesson we’ve known for decades, thanks to renowned crash-test dummies Vince and Larry. And experts agree that seat belts save lives and help protect other passengers.

Despite this progress, it is estimated that nearly 30 million people still aren’t buckling up, and studies show adults are less likely to buckle up in the back seat on short trips. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, among adults who admit to not buckling their seat belt when in the back seat, four out of five admitted to not buckling up on short trips.

Many also believe that seat belts are not necessary in the back seat because they perceive the back to be safer than the front, however, we know this perception to be false. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, passengers in the rear seat are three times more likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing their seatbelt. In 2016, of the more than 900 unrestrained rear seat occupants age eight and older who died in motor vehicle crashes, nearly half would have likely survived if they had buckled up.

Uber and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) are teaming up to encourage everyone to “Make It Click: Every seat. Every ride.” Similar to the public service campaigns of the past, this is a call to action.

As we begin the summer driving season, riders and drivers can expect to see messages in the app reminding them of the importance of wearing a seat belt. In partnership with the GHSA, we’ll also work with states to spread this important message. We want to ensure drivers and passengers know the benefits of wearing seat belts and, as a result, remind people about this safer behavior.

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer driving season. It is also the kickoff to NHTSA’s “Click it or Ticket” enforcement period – a time when the safety agency works with law enforcement to ticket unbuckled drivers and passengers in nearly every state where use is required by law.  

While we know we won’t be able to solve this issue alone, we’re committed to doing our part and together we can save lives. So regardless of how you travel, Uber and GHSA want you to buckle up. Reaching our nation’s goal of zero road deaths depends on it.

This summer and beyond, remember to “Make It Click” and use a seat belt in every seat and on every ride – it’s really that simple.

 

About GHSA

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq or follow us on Twitter @GHSAHQ.