While seatbelt use has been steadily increasing, the National Safety Council estimates that more  than 14,000 people die each year in highway crashes that would not have been fatal if seat belts have been used.

Seat belts of a single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just by wearing a seat belt, you can reduce your risk of crash injuries by 50 percent. Everyone traveling in a vehicle should consistently wear their seat belt and wear it properly.

Proper use of a seat belt : lap belt. 

Be sure the belt is snug preventing room for movement before or during the crash which increases the risk of spinal cord or head injury. 

Be sure the belt is flat. twisted belt concentrates the stress on a small body area increasing the likehood of injuiry. Sit with your seat back upright. If the seat is reclined, you can slide the belt, strike the dashboard or front seat and increase the possibility of abdominal injuries. Sit back deeply in the seat, shoulder belt. 

Be sure the belt is snug. Too much slack could result in facial and chest injuries. Wear the belt over the shoulder, across the collarbone and diagonally across the chest.

Do not wear the belt under the arm. While your collarbone is strong and could distribute the crash forces, your ribs are likely to break and puncture organs beneath them.

Do not wear the belt in front of the face or neck.