There is simply no disputing that wearing a safety belt can save your life. That is why the Ohio State Highway Patrol is encouraging all motorists to buckle-up this upcoming holiday season and continue to do so throughout the New Year. Last year more than 62 percent of the people killed on Ohio’s roadways were not wearing a safety belt.
“It’s simple – safety belts save lives and reduce injury in crashes,” said Lt. Kevin Thomas, Commander of the Defiance Post. “It is the easiest thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 363 lives were saved in Ohio and 12,546 were saved nationwide in 2011 as a direct result of motorists buckling-up. Using a safety belt remains the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Choosing to wear a safety belt is a personal choice and Ohio’s safety belt compliance rate indicates that motorists are doing so more now than ever.
According to Ohio’s 2011 Observational Seatbelt Survey, 84 percent of motorists were found to be in compliance with Ohio’s safety belt law. This is nearly 20 percent higher than the 2000 usage rate. While these rates have steadily increased, far too many Ohioans still do not buckle-up.
Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation, however troopers continue zero tolerance enforcement when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their belt.
Troopers ask that you wear your safety belt every time and insist that those who travel with you buckle-up as well. For a complete statistical analysis of safety belt violations please visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Safety_Belt_Bulletin_20 I 2.pdf
The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity.