Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S.1 Most crash-related deaths in the United States occur to drivers and passengers. For adults and older children (who are big enough for seat belts to fit properly), seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Yet millions do not buckle up on every trip.
Deaths
  • A total of 23,714 drivers and passengers in passenger vehicles died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016.
  • More than half (range: 53%-62%) of teens (13-19 years) and adults aged 20-44 years who died in crashes in 2016 were not buckled up at the time of the crash.
Injuries
  • More than 2.6 million drivers and passengers were treated in emergency department as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2016.
  • Young adult drivers and passengers (18-24) have the highest crash-related non-fatal injury rates of all adults.

NYS Seat Belt Laws

  1. In the state of New York, driver and front seat passengers must always wear a seat belt.
  2. Passengers under the age of 16 must wear seatbelts even when in back seats.
  3. Children over 4 and under 8 years old must use booster seats with lap and shoulder belts, or a child safety seat.
  4. Children under age of 4 must be seated in child safety seats.
  5.  As of November 1, 2019, every child under the age of 2 must be restrained in a rear facing child passenger safety seat.

Regulations and Penalties

  • Every passenger regardless of age or seating position must be properly restrained if driver has a Class DJ learner permit, limited Class-DJ, or Class MJ driver license.
  • Each improperly restrained passenger will receive a separate citation and fine.
  • Seat belt usage is not required for taxi cab passengers.
  • Passengers must be restrained with both lap safety belt and shoulder harness belt in case both are present on seat.
  • ​Drivers can also get a traffic ticket if any child passenger younger than 16 is not wearing a seat belt or safety seat. Penalty is between $25 and $100 for each violation, and 3 driver license penalty points. Penalty points are given to driver only for persons under 16 who are not adequately restrained.
  • Not wearing a safety belt in New York results in up to $50 civil fine for each violation.​
For further information on Seat Belt Safety, please contact Becky Nelson at 585-593-5223, ext. 1000.
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