For most people, putting on a seat belt shortly after sitting down in a vehicle is simply habit — and that’s as it should be. But too many still ignore data that shows wearing a seat belt can save lives … and ignore that it is against the law not to wear one.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol data, there have been 2,847 people killed in Ohio since 2018 who were not wearing a seat belt.

“Properly buckling up, every time you get into a motor vehicle reduces the risk of sustaining serious injuries or death in a crash,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, patrol superintendent.

OSHP data show 72% of vehicle occupants aged 21 to 40 killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

It defies logic to refuse to do something so simple, so routine, that could prevent death. For those not bothered by that risk, OSHP reminds it has also issued more than 475,000 seat belt violations since 2018. “There is no question that seat belts save lives, and I encourage everyone to make it a habit to always buckle up,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

Particularly at this time of year, when road conditions are changing and holiday celebrations may mean some other drivers are more of a risk, it is important to remember OSHP’s “Buckle up every trip, every time.”

If it is not already your habit to do so, it is time to make that change.

“Wearing a safety belt remains the simplest thing you and your loved ones can do to stay safe when getting into a vehicle,” Jones said.

Think of what it might cost you (and your loved ones) to go without it.