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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Region 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897
For Immediate Release: 05/19/2011 12:48 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 23 - June 7, 2011.
During this campaign, Region 4 Idaho State Police troopers will increase enforcement of speed limits and traffic laws & cite those drivers/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 2009:
*85 Idahoans killed in car crashes were unrestrained
*28% of those Idahoans who were seriously injured were unrestrained.
*78% of the fatal aggressive driving crashes occur in rural areas
*According to NHTSA, seat belts are 50% effective in preventing fatalities/
serious injuries.
Region 4:
*19 of the 31 (61%) passenger motor vehicle occupants killed in Region 4 in
2009 were unrestrained
*55 of the 162 (34%) passenger motor vehicle occupants injured in Region 4 in
2009 were unrestrained.
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