SEATBELT PATROLS FEBRUARY 8TH - 17TH, 2013

IDAHO STATE POLICE
1540 FOOTE DRIVE
IDAHO FALLS ID 83402
208-525-7377


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho State Police, and local agencies partner to conduct seat belt patrols

February 8th - 17th

The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho State Police and other law enforcement agencies across Idaho to make our highways safer by funding high visibility seat belt patrols February 8th - 17th, 2013. During this campaign, officers will increase enforcement of traffic laws and cite those drivers or occupants who are not seat belted.

In 2011, 77 Idahoans lost their lives in crashes where they were unrestrained. Studies have shown seatbelts cut in half the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. This means there are nearly 40 lives that could have been saved in Idaho alone last year, had they been wearing their seatbelts. In addition, 278 Idahoans sustained critical injuries in crashes where they were unrestrained. "Occupants in a vehicle who are unrestrained during a crash can move around in a vehicle like a projectile, potentially striking and injuring or killing other occupants in the car", says Sgt. Zaugg. "The choice to wear a seatbelt is about personal accountability, not avoiding a citation; choose to wear your seatbelt so that you can protect your loved ones, remain in control of your vehicle, and avoid serious injury or death in the event of a crash."

The following data supports our cause:

Statewide for 2011:

- 77 occupants of Idaho passenger motor vehicles killed in car crashes were unrestrained (Idaho Traffic Crashes 2011, ITD)
- Approximately 80% of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas (Idaho Traffic Crashes 2011, ITD)
- According to NHTSA, seat belts are 50% effective in preventing fatalities/serious injuries. (Traffic Safety Facts 2003, NHTSA)
- In Idaho in 2011, Idaho had a 79% observed seatbelt usage. The 21% of Idahoans that did not wear their seatbelts accounted for approximately 46% of all traffic fatalities. (Idaho Traffic Crashes 2011, ITD)


For on-camera interviews or a ride-along, contact:
Sergeant Scott Zaugg or Lieutenant Chris Weadick,
Idaho State Police
1540 Foote Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-525-7377


Spot what you think might be an impaired driver? Use the Idaho State Police REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) hotline. Dial *477 from your cell phone anywhere in Idaho.