Failure to wear a seat belt can sometimes affect the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, failure to wear a seat belt can decrease the amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive. In other states, evidence of failure to wear a safety belt cannot be considered when determining the plaintiff’s damages.
In Maryland, more than 120 state law enforcement agencies are cracking down on passengers and drivers who don’t wear safety belts. The “Click It Or Ticket” campaign is part of a nationwide initiative to reduce auto accident deaths and increase Maryland’s 91% safety belt use rate.
State law enforcement groups have set up more than 100 seat belt checkpoints and enforcement zones where individuals not wearing seat belts will be ticketed. Special attention will be paid to safety belt use at night.