Full Notification

Contact: Det. Chris Hoffman
Woods Cross Police Department
Woods Cross, Utah 84087
Office: 801-292-4422
Fax: 801-296-0678
[email protected]
www.woodscrosspd.com

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2014

SAVE THE BELT UNBUCKLING FOR WHEN YOU
PASS OUT ON THE COUCH

Woods Cross, Utah – Police and safety officials in Davis County are warning citizens to make sure they buckle their seat belts over the Thanksgiving Day holiday period or run the risk of getting a ticket.

“Many of us over-indulge in holiday goodies and loosen our belts a little after dinner,” said Woods Cross Police Chief Greg Butler. “But remember, save the belt unbuckling for when you pass out on the couch. The potential consequences of riding without a seat belt are just too great. Not only will you avoid a $45 ticket, you may also avoid losing your life.”
You might think that 83.4 percent sounds like a good state seat belt use rate as it means 2.4 million Utahns wear their seat belts to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of a crash. But is also means that almost half a million people in our state still don’t get it - a huge number who increase their risk of becoming a statistic in what could have been a survivable crash. We know that unbelted drivers are often risk takers, unaware of the importance of seat belts in keeping them safe, or they are just not in the habit. Even with laws requiring seat belt use and enforcement by state and local police officers, some drivers still do not get the message. According to Utah crash statistics, unbuckled motorists in crashes were 34 times more likely to die than those who were buckled up (2013 Utah Crash Summary).
Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

“Whether you’re going across town or across the state this Thanksgiving, make sure you and everyone riding with you are wearing their seat belts,” said Chief Butler. “You may be enjoying the Holiday, but rest assured that police will be out in force as part of this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign, making sure your road trip is as safe as it can be.”

For safety’s sake, protect your families and encourage everyone to drive safely, slow down, designate a non-drinking driver, and Buckle up. Every trip. Every time.
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