BUCKLE UP FOR SAFETY

The summer time means summer vacations and that often involves family vehicle trips.  Does it surprise you to know that in Illinois we have a lower percentage of seat belt use than the rest of the nation even though wearing a seatbelt while in the front seat is a state law?

Drivers and passengers tend to use seat belts more during expressway driving than on local roadways.  The impression that the higher speeds during expressway travel demand more safety is a critical error.  There are more potential hazards on trips through local streets than on expressways.  Local street drivers must contend with intersections, opposing traffic flows, hazardous driving violations and pedestrian/bicyclist traffic.

Speed alone should not determine seat belt use.  There is a false sense of security when we drive the short distance trips in our busy daily routines.  Take the time to get in the habit of safety for yourself and your family through the use of seat belts on all driving trips.