According to a recent study by Montana Department of Transportation economic loss to Montana was estimated to be $662 million, which is an average of over $690 for every citizen in Montana (that’s $2,760 for a family of 4). The cost of traffic crashes is measured in wage loss, medical expense, insurance administration and property damage cost. On average, an unbelted occupant has a longer hospital stay, requires more intensive care and accrues significantly higher hospital charges at an expense of $52,993 for the average unbuckled occupant in comparison to $36,420 for the average buckled occupant. According to Montana Emergency Care: Those injured pay for only 26% of the total healthcare cost, the remainder is paid by society. In a recent study, caring for unbelted patients cost over $36.7 million each year in direct impatient health care cost. Montana spends $14 million in Medicaid and uncompensated care for unrestrained motor vehicle occupant inpatient hospital charges.
As of July 1, 2011 lawmakers decided to join the 49 other states with a primary child safety restraint law. Law enforcement officers can now stop a vehicle without any other reason, if your child is under six years of age or less than 60 lbs. and is not properly restrained. This is considered a primary offense. Those who are in violation of the law can be fined up to $100.
Richland County Health Department will provide a car seat or booster seat for those who can’t afford to buy one for their child. Call the Richland County Health Department at 406-433-2207 to set up an appointment. The Richland County Health Department will also check your child’s present car seat or booster seat to make sure your child is safe.
There Is No Excuse For Not Wearing A Seat Belt
43% of all unintentional deaths are due to crashes
56% of all crash fatalities are single vehicle run-off road crashes
64% of unrestrained occupants were ejected from their vehicle and killed
72% of fatal crashes in rural areas involved only one vehicle
75% of crashes occur within 25 miles of home
80% of deaths and serious injuries occur in vehicles that are traveling under 40-MPH
90% of all Montana crashes are in rural settings.
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