Illinois' new seat belt law will save lives and reduce injuries due to auto accidents, the Illinois State Medical Society predicted. Beginning January 1, state law will require all passengers to buckle up-not just those in the front seat. Previously, only the driver, front seat passengers, and certain others under the age of 19 were mandated to wear seatbelts. 

"ISMS supported this law because it's another step forward in making our highways and streets safer. When it comes to motor safety, it shouldn't matter whether you're riding in the back or the front," said ISMS President Wayne Polek, MD. "Anyone who doubts the importance of this law should ask an emergency department doctor about patients rushed to the hospital with serious injuries because they weren't wearing a seat belt."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates an injury occurs in a traffic collision every 15 seconds and fatality occurs every 13 minutes. Yet, only 68 of Americans use seat belts. 

"If everyone in every vehicle wears his or her seat belt properly, we will see a significant drop in serious injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents," Dr. Polek said. "It will reduce the strain on emergency departments, the cost of healthcare, and most important, make sure we all arrive safely to the homes of our families and friends this holiday season." 

Illinois becomes the 12th state to require all vehicle occupants to buckle up or face fines. A few exceptions are allowed, most notably for backseat taxi passengers. ISMS urges them to buckle up too!