Seatbelts

NSP Joins Efforts to Increase Seat Belt Usage

May 3, 2006

(Lincoln, NE) – The Nebraska State Patrol joins the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) in an effort to emphasize seat belt usage through two special mobilization efforts.  The special enforcement “Buckle Up in Your Truck,” runs from Sunday, May 7, 2006 through Saturday, May 13.  While the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization will take place May 22, through June 4.

The biggest factor in preventing death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash is the proper use of seat belts and child restraints.  Statistics from NOHS show during the past six years, only five of seventy-four pickup truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were using safety belts.  

“Last year twenty people lost their lives in roll-over crashes involving pickup trucks,” said Colonel Bryan Tuma, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.  “Of those twenty fatalities only three were wearing seat belts.   That number is too high.  We want pickup truck drivers and all drivers to realize buckling up can make a difference.”

NOHS statistics show, one in every 21 licensed drivers in Nebraska will be involved in a motor vehicle crash each year.  Safety belts cut the risk of death or serious injury in a crash by up to 50%.

Thanks to a $27,000.00 grant from the NOHS, the Nebraska State Patrol will utilize 600 hours of overtime throughout the 28-day period, to place special emphasis on efforts to raise awareness of the importance of fastening your seat belt each and every time you get into your vehicle. 

Nebraska’s seat belt law is a secondary law.   Drivers can be cited for this violation only if stopped for a separate violation.  Violating Nebraska’s seat belt law carries a $25.00 fine, for each offense.

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