Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
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Table 2-30. Estimated Number of Lives Saved by Use of Restraints

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  1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total 1975-1998
Safety beltsa 978 575 2,435 6,592 9,790 10,414 10,750 11,018 112,016
Air bags 0 0 0 37 470 686 842 1,043 3,706
Motorcycle Helmets 823 871 788 602 506 490 486 500 16,605
Age 21 minimum legal                  
drinking age 412 595 701 1,033 851 846 846 861 18,220
Child restraints 36 49 153 222 279 365 312 299 4,193
Safety seats 33 39 135 193 232 313 266 244 3,559
Adult safety beltsb 3 10 18 29 47 52 46 55 634

a Represents all adults and children age 5 and older. Data are for passenger vehicles, which include cars, light trucks, vans, pickups, and utility vehicles. Excludes medium and heavy trucks.
b Represents children age 4 and younger restrained only by adult safety belts.

SOURCE: Computed by U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, personal communication, April 5, 2000.