Wearing a seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it could cost you a ticket or worse... your life. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center wants all drivers and passengers to buckle up. Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.