Fact: Seat Belts Save Lives

A do-or-die proposition

A recent editorial made its way into the Arizona Republic that states one out of five Arizonans doesn't buckle up. Baffling, isn't it?

Buckle up in the front seat of the car and you're 45% less likely to die in case of a severe collision. You're 50% less likely to suffer moderate or severe injuries.

So, what is it about this statistic that Arizonans don't understand? If only they'd worn their seatbelts, 229 Arizonans who died in car crashes in 2005 may be alive today.

The suffering and loss of life is heart wrenching indeed, but there are other consequences as well, such as medical bills that affect the health system, lost wages, reduced productivity and disability payments.

Throughout May and June and with the help of federal-safety funds, Arizona ran a radio and TV ad campaign to boost seat belt usage in the Valley. You've probably seen some billboards along the road that say "Click it or Ticket". This type of reinforcement is effective.

In 2004 and 2005, a similar ad campaign was run and Arizona experienced a noticeable difference. Yet once again, lawmakers opposed letting police officers pull drivers over for failing to wear a seatbelt. Instead police officers can only cite drivers when they're stopped for other traffic violations.

In 24 other states, (Oklahoma is one), putting this primary enforcement into effect has resulted in a 6-10% increase in seat belt usage. So why isn't Arizona following in the footsteps? Baffling, isn't it?

Comments

[G Webster Wormleigh]

....kinda makes me wonder why many, many police officers in Tulsa forsake their seat belts. I would say that over fifty percent of those I observe are not wearing! What is wrong with you people? Just like the redneck yahoos driving those Big Horn Dodge pickups....think it won't happen to you. It already has happened...many times. Buckle up, officers!