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. In 2011, nearly 65 percent of the people killed on Ohio’s roadways were not wearing a safety belt. During the first eight months of 2012, safety belt citations by Ohio troopers are up 16 percent compared to the same time period last year.
“We are reminded every day that far too many people are still failing to buckle-up,” said Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent. “It is the easiest thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belts save over 13,000 lives every year and remain the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
According to Ohio’s 2011 Observational Seatbelt Survey, 84.12 percent of motorists were found to be in compliance with Ohio’s safety belt law. This is a significant increase from the 72.9 percent observed in 2002. 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 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.
The Patrol reminds motorist to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
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