CSP, Seatbelts and You

TROOPER’S CORNER – Trooper John W. Bronniman
Seatbelt Usage – On the Decline in Southeast Colorado 

“Oh, I just left the store.” “I was just getting ready to put it on!” “When I saw you, I put it on.” These are a few of the answers we hear, when we ask drivers why they were not using their seat belts. Just like you have heard before, seat belts save lives, and we need your help. We are asking drivers to make sure everyone is properly buckled before putting the car in gear. Unfortunately in southeast Colorado, we seem to be headed in the opposite direction. The reality- In 2011, 187 people died on rural Colorado roads, and more than half were not using a seat belt. Now in 2012, the Colorado State Patrol has already investigated eight serious injury accidents, 3 of which have resulted in fatalities. All of the crashes occurred in our area, and the occupants were unrestrained. 

Since June of 2011, the average seat belt usage has been on the decline. Now in 2012, we are continuing to see a drastic drop in seat belt usage. The latest seat belt survey showed seat belt usage in Otero County near 60%, Bent County at 78%, and Crowley County at 74%. 

The message is simple. Putting on your seatbelt is the single greatest preventative measure you can take in a motor vehicle. Airbags alone are only 42 percent effective at providing protection. The absolute best combination for adults riding in a car is a lap-shoulder belt with an airbag. Remember, many crashes are survivable and seat belts often mean the critical difference between life and death. 

“It only takes two seconds to buckle up and that two seconds can change the lives of the ones you love forever. Seat belt use has an impact on everyone in your life-as a mother, I urge you to start the habit of buckling up with your children to keep them safe throughout their lives.” -Amy Nichols, mother of unrestrained victim killed in car crash.