Monday, May 21, 2012

ITD, ISP troopers, and local agencies partner to stop unbelted drivers

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897

For Immediate Release: 05/21/2012 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Lt. Kevin Haight

The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho State Police and other law enforcement agencies across Idaho to make highways safer by funding high visibility seat belt patrols May 22nd - June 5th, 2012.

During this campaign, officers will increase enforcement of speed limits and traffic laws, and cite those drivers and/or occupants who are unbelted.

"Those occupants wearing a seatbelt during a speed-related crash increase their chance of survival greatly," says Lt. Haight.

In 2009, almost 60% of those killed in an aggressive driving crash were not wearing their seat belt.

The following data supports our cause:

Statewide for 2010:
- 73 occupants of Idaho passenger motor vehicles killed in car crashes were unrestrained
- Approximately 78% of the fatal aggressive driving crashes occur in rural areas
- According to NHTSA, seat belts are 50% effective in preventing fatalities/serious injuries.
District 4:
- 33% of the passenger motor vehicle occupants killed in District 4 in 2010 were unrestrained
- 55 of the 162 (34%) passenger motor vehicle occupants injured in District 4 in 2009 were unrestrained.

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