OSHP reminds motorists that safety belts save lives
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 three months of 2012, safety belt citations by Ohio troopers are up 19 percent over 2011, and during this time, unbelted traffic fatalities decreased by 16 percent.
"It's simple – safety belts save lives and reduce injury in crashes," Lt. Aaron Gentry, commander of the Wilmington Post, said. "It is the easiest thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends."
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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.
Wearing a safety belt is a personal choice, and Ohio's safety belt compliance rate indicates motorists are doing so more now than ever.
According to Ohio's 2010 Observational Seatbelt Survey, 83.8 percent of motorists were found to be in compliance with Ohio's safety belt law. This is a significant increase from the 72.0 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 to 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.