Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
July 11, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Keith Leary
Phone:
(425) 508-0793
E-mail:
Keith.Leary@wsp.wa.gov
Seatbelts Must Be Worn Properly
Marysville, WA -- Seat belts are only effective if they are used properly. Knowing the facts of seat belt operation is critically important.
A lap belt securely wrapped around the waist, resting on bone, is a secure form of safety. If it is pulled across the soft part of the stomach, it could penetrate the skin and even drive into the body in an extreme accident. This could cause injury or even death.
If a seat belt has a shoulder strap, it should rest securely on the front of the body and on the collar bone. If it is placed on the neck, it could possibly be a fatal consequence in an accident, or in a more minor situation, cut into it. Taking the time to secure a seat belt properly is well worth the time that it takes to pull the strap across you and fasten it.
Another way to use a seat belt properly is to ensure all passengers are wearing one. Taking time to do this reduces every passenger's risk. Children should be constantly monitored to ensure the belt has not been removed during an extended trip.
On a daily basis troopers stop motorists for having seat belt straps either behind their back, under their armpit, or simply not worn at all. RCW 46.61.688 Section (3) states: “Every person sixteen years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle shall wear the safety belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner.” In 2009, troopers stopped 8,964 vehicles and wrote 7,859 tickets for seat belt and child restraint violations.
Troopers responded to 38 fatal collisions in 2009 in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island Counties. Data shows that 10 of the 38, or 26%, collisions involved drivers or occupants not buckled up.
“Our goal is to educate the four percent of drivers who choose not to wear their seat belt, or wear it improperly,” said Captain Ken Ginnard. “In order for us to reach our goal of zero fatalities by 2030, this is one area we need to focus on.”
According to a Washington Traffic Safety Commission survey, Washington State has a 96.54% usage rate. That means we have approximately 3½% of the population to educate and gain compliance..