Citation

Nolan J. DePaul L. Rev. 1965; 14: 152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1965, De Paul University School of Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Of the 43,600 lives snuffed out by traffic mishaps in the United States in 1963, 5000 would not have died if seatbelts have been installed and used in all motor vehicles involved. A seatbelt, although remarkably proficient in preventing injury or death, is, bye present automotive standards, inexpensive item of equipment. The present value of seatbelts was recognized as far back as 1949 when Nash motor company install belts as standard equipment on all new autos. This innovation was less than spectacular success - the buyers tore out the belts. After the next experiment failed, the Ford Motor Company began optional belt installations with their 1956 models.

The first important seatbelt legislation was enacted in 1961. In that year, Wisconsin passed a law making seatbelts mandatory in new passenger cars. In 1962, despite the efforts of "lobbyists from Detroit," New York became the second state to require seatbelts in passenger cars.

After 14 states have legislative statutes similar to those of Wisconsin in New York, the automotive industry announced that seatbelts would be installed in all private passenger autos as standard equipment. As of this writing, 23 states have enacted statutes requiring that seatbelts me install an all new private passenger vehicles.