The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that when safety belts are used the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45% and the moderate-to-critical injury risk is reduced by 50%. The national average for individuals that do not always use their seat belt is 31%. When comparing the national figure to the 45% of North Central Kansas residents who do not always use their seat belt, it is easy to see how severe the health risk is in the region.

 In addition to the public health risk that is prevalent in the region, the lack of seat belt utilization within North Central Kansas can also lead to an increase in healthcare costs. The inpatient hospital costs to treat an individual who did not wear his or her seat belt is at least 50% higher than the costs associated with accident victims who were wearing their seat belts. NHTSA data reveals that Americans pay $14.3 billion per year in injury related costs for people who do not wear seat belts. On average, individuals injured pay for less than 30% of these costs. Thus, the remaining 70%, approximately $10.1 billion, are paid for through higher automobile and health insurance rates, and through public assistance programs funded by state and federal tax dollars.