5/22/2009
ITD reminds motorists to make the smart choice and buckle up
BOISE - Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the beginning of a busy summer driving season in Idaho so the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds motorists and passengers to make the smart choice and always buckle up before traveling the state's highways.
ITD is supporting more than 50 law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho to educate citizens and enforce Idaho's seat belt law through May 31. Idaho law requires all vehicle occupants to be properly restrained no matter where they are seated.
"Wearing your seat belt costs nothing and yet it's the single most effective traffic safety device ever invented," said Mary Hunter, ITD highway safety manager. "Failing to wear a seat belt puts you at risk for serious injury or death. Two-thirds of motor vehicle occupants killed in Idaho traffic crashes last year were unbelted."
Last year, 105 unrestrained people were killed in Idaho traffic crashes.
Half of these victims could be alive today had they simply buckled up, according to seat belt effectiveness studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
"The 105 people killed are not just numbers. They were family members that didn't come home at the end of the day. They leave behind families who mourn their loss. The Idaho Transportation Department hopes that all Idahoans will get in the habit of buckling up," Hunter said.