Recent fatal accidents reminding people the importance of wearing a seatbelt

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A recent fatal accident that happened south of Rigby this weekend is reminding us to wear a seatbelt when in a moving vehicle.

That accident leaving two people, a teen and minor, dead.

Idaho State Police says 45-50% of fatalities from accidents can be avoided by just simply wearing a seatbelt.

"There's quite a few fatalities we've had recently that where a seatbelt most likely would have saved somebody's life," ISP Master Corporal Chris Jones said. "I've seen fatalities where someone would have probably walked away, almost uninjured, had they worn their seatbelts. But because they didn't wear their seatbelts, they're thrown out of the car or if they're not wearing their seatbelt properly... There's no way to predict when you're going to get hit. No way to predict when you're going to need that seatbelt. By the time you know you need it, it's over."

So it actually matters how you wear the seat belt. Some people choose to tuck it under their arm, but that is not good enough. It must go over the shoulder and across your lap to work at its full potential and essentially save your life.