Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign Responds to News of Increased Belt Use

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 2002-- In response to an announcement today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the national seat belt use rate has increased from 73 percent in 2001 to 75 percent in 2002, Chuck Hurley, Executive Director of the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign of the National Safety Council, issued the following statement:

"This is good news for the safety of Americans. A two-percentage point increase in belt use represents continued steady upward movement. It means thousands of needless deaths and injuries will be prevented.

"We've come a long way since 1996 when seat belt use was at 61 percent. The credit for these gains goes to law enforcement officers for their commitment, dedication, and hard work. Credit also is due to numerous others, including: NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, who has made increasing belt use his highest priority, state highway safety offices, and the U.S. Congress, for providing resources for paid advertising in states that implemented high visibility enforcement programs this past May."

The Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign, a program of the National Safety Council, is a public/private partnership of automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, child safety seat manufacturers, government agencies, health professionals and child health and safety organizations. The goal of the Campaign is to increase the proper use of safety belts and child safety seats and to inform the public about how to maximize the lifesaving capabilities of air bags while minimizing the risks.