General Motors Commends State of Michigan on Reaching Historic 90.5 Percent Safety Belt Use

Statement attributable to Robert C. Lange, GM Executive Director, Structure and Safety Integration

"On behalf of General Motors Corp., I congratulate Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning on the increase in Michigan's safety belt use rate to a historic 90.5 percent. This increase is especially meaningful to GM because it means Michigan, home of our global headquarters and so many of our employees, is the first state east of the West Coast to surpass the 90-percent safety belt use rate. Recently we celebrated the news that the national safety belt use rate reached an all-time high of 80 percent.

"These results remind us that the state's primary safety belt law, combined with high-visibility enforcement, are truly effective in convincing more Michigan motorists to buckle up.

"GM commends the Michigan State Police, county sheriffs' departments and the many city and township law enforcement agencies that worked together during Michigan's two 'Click It or Ticket' safety belt enforcement mobilizations in May and September.

"Five years ago, just before passage of Michigan's primary safety belt law, the state's belt use rate was just 70 percent. In less than five years, that number has increased by 20.5 percentage points.

"According to OHSP estimates, 50 lives will be saved and 130 serious injuries will be prevented in Michigan this year alone because of this unprecedented rate of safety belt use. Every time someone is fatally or critically injured in a motor vehicle crash, Michigan citizens lose about $1 million in emergency response, medical costs, lost productivity and other factors, as well as the incalculable cost and heartbreak of losing a loved one.

"General Motors will continue to support safety belt use with a commitment to improve safety belt reminder systems in our vehicles, in addition to public education and awareness. Michigan and a few other states have proven that safety belt use rates of 90 percent or more can be achieved. Imagine how many lives could be saved and injuries prevented if every state hit at least 90 percent safety belt use.

"GM supports passage of primary safety belt enforcement laws in all states because these laws are a proven tool in getting drivers and their passengers to buckle up."