More Minnesotans Are Dying Because They Won't Wear A Seatbelt

ACROSS MINNESOTA — There were far fewer drivers on the road than average in 2020, yet that year saw the most fatalities involving unbelted motorists in Minnesota since 2014. And 2021 is on pace for even more unbelted fatalities.

"Too many Minnesota families are hurting over a loss that is so easily preventable, and it’s getting worse," said Mike Hanson, Minnesota's Office of Traffic Safety director, in a news release.

"Motorists choosing not to wear seat belts need to think beyond themselves, take responsibility and buckle up. As their excuses add up – I forgot to wear it; it’s only a short drive to the store; it’s my decision to make - unbelted fatalities are adding up at a tragic rate we haven’t seen in years. It’s inexcusable. Seat belts are your first and last line of defense in the event that a driver makes a mistake, but they only work if you use them. Drive smart and wear your seat belt."

Minnesota's unbelted fatalities, by the numbers

• In 2020, 105 unbelted motorists died compared to 73 in 2019.
• So far in 2021, 68 unbelted motorists have died on Minnesota roads
• About 80 percent of unbelted deaths happened in rural Minnesota, outside the seven-county Twin Cities metro area

State law

Under Minnesota law, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children must be in the correct child restraint.

Here are the rules for children, as outlined by the Department of Safety:

In Minnesota, all children must be in a child restraint until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.

Rear-facing seats - All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they have reached the height and weight limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Forward-facing seats with harness - Toddlers and preschoolers who have reached the height and weight limits of the rear-facing car seat should use a forward-facing seat with harness until they reach the weight limit of the harness allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Booster seats - School-age children who have reached the height and weight limits of the forward-facing seat can sit on a booster seat. It must be used with a lap and shoulder belt.

Seat belts - Children 8 years old or have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall can buckle up with seat belts. Your child is ready for an adult seat belt when they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat, knees bent comfortably and completely over the vehicle seat edge without slouching, and feet touching the floor.