Even though California has mandatory seat belt laws, many drivers and passengers still choose to gamble with their safety. It takes just seconds to pull a seat belt over your shoulder and click it into place, yet the consequences of not doing so can be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than two million people were injured on America's roadways and another 33,000 lost their lives in 2009. Of those killed, roughly half were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and more than 70 percent were passengers.

Although seat belt use has increased eightfold in the past 30 years, one out of seven drivers or passengers still refuse to use them. As a driver, it is your responsibility to make sure that every passenger is buckled up and children are in age-appropriate car seats. You can set a good example for your children by not starting your car until everyone has fastened his or her seat belt, including you. Also, do not allow your children to ride with anyone unless you know that he or she requires seat belt use also.

Being safe is always a priority

Sometimes, in spite of everything you do to stay safe on the road, other drivers do not give you the same consideration. If you have recently been involved in a crash with a drunk, reckless or inattentive driver, it may feel like your world is spiraling out of control. Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire is a San Diego personal injury law firm that understands the challenges you are facing.

Since 1978, our attorneys have been aggressively pursuing the rights of injured people. You deserve to be compensated for time missed from work, medical expenses and the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. Regardless of the type of personal injury you have suffered, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your case.