Did you know that wearing a seat belt reduces your risk of serious injury or death by almost 50%? While 89.4% of Floridians understand this, 10.6% of the state’s drivers still take the risk. As National Seat Belt Day approaches on November 14, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges everyone to buckle up.

In Florida, buckling up is the law: All drivers, front-seat passengers, and passengers under 18 must wear a seat belt. The consequence of breaking this law can range from a $30 fine to a far higher cost — serious injury or even death.

Here’s why your risk nearly doubles without a seat belt:

• Seat belts and airbags work together: Airbags alone aren’t enough to protect you in a crash. In fact, without a seat belt, an airbag can cause serious injury.
• Speed matters: The speed of your vehicle is the speed at which you could be thrown from it if you’re not wearing a seat belt.
• Unbuckled rider/driver risk: In a crash, unsecured drivers or passengers can be thrown around and injure or kill those who are using their seat belts correctly.

Even if you’re a cautious driver, you can’t control others’ actions on the road. You may not cause a crash, but you could still be involved in one. To set a good example for others, buckle up!

Seat belts should be worn snugly across the lap and chest — two parts of your body better able to withstand the force of a crash. The lap belt should secure your body at the pelvis, and the shoulder belt should rest on your rib cage. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arms, and make sure the belt does not rest against your neck.

For children, additional safety measures such as car seats may be necessary depending on their age and size. Always follow Florida’s safety regulations for child passengers. Learn more about seat belt safety at fdot.gov/agencyresources/clickitorticket.