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Author: Jeff Luther
Posted: Feb 26, 2010 at 4:02 PM
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Sheriff Announcements
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Every year, more than 42,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. More than half of all passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt, and more than 7,000 of them were young drivers between the ages of 16 and 20.
One of the most effective strategies for increasing seat belt usage is high visibility enforcement. Your participation in these efforts is the key to reducing crashes and the injuries and fatalities they cause, which can significantly impact the quality of life in our community.
Through combined efforts to date, seat belt use rates are up substantially and alcohol related fatalities have declined modestly as a result of these mobilizations. YOU have the opportunity to save lives by reducing impaired driving and increasing seat belt use. The role that law enforcement plays in these efforts cannot be overstated, and your continued leadership and commitment to highway safety is appreciated.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that drivers and passengers who do not buckle up are approximately 14 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than those who use their safety belt.
REMEMBER - Florida's "Primary" Seat Belt Law became effective June 30th, 2009. This law is also known as the "Dori Slosberg" and "Katie Marchetti" Safety Belt Law.