For anyone who complains about getting a ticket for not buckling up when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, here’s a crash course in reality from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
41,059 people were killed on America’s roadways in 2007.
41,059 people were killed on America’s roadways in 2007.Over 14,000 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2007 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
Over 14,000 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2007 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.In 2007, nearly 2.5 million people were injured in crashes.
In 2007, nearly 2.5 million people were injured in crashes.Motor vehicle crashes cost the U.S. economy an estimated $230.6 billion every single year.
Motor vehicle crashes cost the U.S. economy an estimated $230.6 billion every single year.While those may sound like just statistics, those of us at the Spearman Police Department know from personal experience that those numbers are the actual faces of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles and friends right here in Spearman. We tell too many families about losses that may have been prevented had a loved one only worn a seat belt.
This goes to the heart of the Spearman Police Departments mission to protect the public. That is why we have joined with thousands of other State and local law enforcement and highway safety agencies nationwide to announce support for the 2009 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, which this year runs May 18 - 31.
The good news is we have seen unprecedented numbers of motorists buckling up over the past several years. Seat belts can be credited with saving more than 15,000 lives in 2007 alone. Thanks in part to high visibility enforcement campaigns, like Click It or Ticket, this has led to an all time high observed national seat belt usage rate of 83 percent in 2008—a 25 percent increase over the past 14 years. But, the tragic reality is in our community there are still over 30% percent of the public convinced that they don’t need a seat belt.
People often ask, “Aren’t there more serious criminals on the street other than those who simply are not buckling up? They’re not hurting anyone but themselves.”
To the contrary, the people who choose to disobey the law by not wearing their seat belts are taking a chance with not only their lives, but the emotional and financial health of their families, friends and our community. Yes, the speed limits traveled in town is mainly 30mph. However, studies have shown that the force generated in a crash at only 25mph is equal to the same force as falling from a 2 story building. And over the course of the last 3 years of the Department participating in this campaign, our emergency services have worked numerous traffic crashes where if the people inside the vehicle hadn't been buckled up, they would have been severely injured, or worse, lost their life in the crash. That's right here in Spearman, and on more than one occasion.
Death may be the ultimate consequence for not wearing a seat belt, but even for those who escape a fatal crash, the economic costs of injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes are staggering. Every year motor vehicle crashes cost our country an estimated $230.6 billion. That equals more than $800 per person per year!
Yes, this is a national problem, but law enforcement and first responders see the local faces at too many crash scenes. So, it begins right here in Spearman. Law enforcement will be out in force to show our dedication to solving this problem. We want 100 percent of motorists to buckle up. Buckling up costs you nothing, but the costs of NOT buckling up may be a ticket, or worse — your life. Treat this as a tough and potentially life-saving reminder: Click It or Ticket!
The Spearman Police Department participates anually in the National Click it or Ticket Campaign. In addition to this increased enforcement period, these laws are constantly enforced thoughout the year on a no-tolerance philosopy. See the below information for some awaking information on seat belt usage. Click on the following link to view the laws on seat belt usage.
