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AAA: Unbuckled Motorists Account for Nearly Half of Traffic Fatalities

AAA Breaks Down New Study on Seat Belt Use Behavior

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 7, 2026) — While the vast majority (91%) of adults buckle up, new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) reveals that unbelted occupants account for nearly half of traffic deaths. AAA is urging every driver and passenger to make buckling up a non-negotiable habit on every trip to protect themselves and the people riding with them. 

The analysis of Fatal Crash Data Analysis (FARS) from 2017 through 2022 found that more than a quarter of U.S. drivers and passengers (28%) involved in a fatal crash in the last 30 days were unbuckled, pointing to a critical gap in seat belt use. 

“Seat belts are a lifesaving tool that significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in a motor vehicle crash,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “To protect you and your passengers on the road, AAA encourages all vehicle occupants to prioritize buckling up every time.”

Key Findings 

According to the research, seat belt use appears to differ across motorists of varying ages. The general trend is that older motorists and children tend to use seat belts more often than young adult motorists.

  • 70% of drivers and 57% of passengers reported always wearing a seat belt.
  • 3% of drivers and 6% of passengers reported they rarely wore a seat belt. 
  • Seat belt use drops significantly among certain groups – such as males, younger adults, rear-seat passengers, pick up truck occupants, nighttime or rural road travelers, and those engaging in impaired or risky behaviors. 

Top Seat Belt Motivators And Excuses

  • Among respondents who wore a seat belt more than 90% cited “wanting to avoid serious injury or death,” “It’s the law,” and “It’s a habit,” as their main reasons for buckling up.
  • Nearly 50% who did not wear a seat belt cited “I’m only driving a short distance,” “I forgot to put it on,” and “It’s a habit,” as their reasons for not using a seat belt. 

AAA Shares Recommendations for Improving Seat Belt Safety

To help traffic safety practitioners implement targeted interventions, the study outlines actionable strategies across four key areas:

  • Education: Training and instructional guidance delivered in formal, informal, or workplace settings.
  • Encouragement: Persuasive messaging and communication campaigns tailored to specific road user profiles.
  • Enforcement: High-visibility enforcement efforts paired with clear public messaging.
  • Equity: Inclusive outreach designed to reach high-risk and traditionally underserved populations effectively 

To read the entire AAAFTS report on seat belt behaviour, click here.

About AAA Mountain West Group

For over a century, AAA Mountain West Group (MWG) has served as a mission-driven, member-centric organization.Guided by its mission of People Helping People and powered by 5,400 dedicated team members, MWG delivers exceptional roadside assistance, auto repair, travel planning, financial and insurance services, home security, and exclusive member discounts. With a vision focused on creating Members for Life, MWG guides Members through every stage of their journey, serving more than 6.9 million people throughout Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA has grown into one of the largest and most trusted membership organizations in North America. To learn more about AAA MWG, visit mwg.aaa.com.

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