Better odds for survival

Washington County traffic safety advocates are urging all motorists to buckle up, every ride.

The Washington County Safe Community Coalition is supporting the work of local law enforcement in a statewide “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement and education program now through June 1.

Each year, approximately 200 unbelted motorists are killed in Minnesota. During 2004-06 in Minnesota there were 1,274 vehicle occupants killed in crashes and 658 were not wearing seat belts.

In this same period in Washington County, 32 motorists were killed and 12 were not wearing seat belts. There were 29 unbelted serious injuries in the county and the economic impact of unbelted deaths and injuries was approximately $15 million.

“Every motorist has to be the seat belt enforcer in their vehicle,” said Patricia Galligher, coalition coordinator. “Law enforcement can’t save lives alone; everyone needs to play a role to keep fellow passengers safe and buckled up.”

Tags: community, buckle, seat, belt, county, galligher