Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Says Record Number of PA Motorists Are Using Seat Belts

Seat Belt Usage Rate Reaches 86 Percent

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 24 -- Seat belt use in Pennsylvania has reached a record-high of 86 percent - the highest rate since the state began tracking seat belt usage in 1988, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

"For a growing number of Pennsylvania motorists, the act of buckling up has become second nature," Governor Rendell said. "It is very encouraging that a record number of drivers and passengers now understand the simple fact that seat belts save lives."

Governor Rendell thanked state and local law enforcement and other highway safety partners for their assistance in promoting seat belt use. These educational and enforcement efforts resulted in the record level of seat belt compliance in 2006, which reflected nearly a three-percentage-point jump from the 83.3 percent level reported in 2005.

PennDOT estimates with every percentage point increase in seat belt usage, eight to 12 lives will be saved. In 2005, 578 unbuckled fatalities occurred on the state's highways.

In an effort to save more lives, PennDOT launched an outreach campaign around the theme, "Who Feels the Impact When You Decide Not To Wear a Seat Belt?" Billboards featuring that message were displayed in nine counties where seat belt usage was of particular concern.

PennDOT also continued its participation in the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, under which drivers who are stopped and cited for a traffic violation and are found to be unbuckled can receive a second citation for failing to wear a seat belt. Pennsylvania is one of 47 states to participate in the national seat belt enforcement and education effort.

State law requires all front seat passengers to be buckled up. PennDOT reminds motorists that children ages four to eight must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat when riding anywhere in a motor vehicle. In addition, children ages 8 to 18 must be in a seat belt when riding anywhere in the vehicle. Both of these laws are secondary, which means drivers can be ticketed only when cited for another traffic violation such as speeding.

The state's primary child passenger safety law states that children under the age of four must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle. The fine for non-use of child safety and booster seats is a maximum of $100 in addition to other costs. Failure to comply with the seat belt law can result in a penalty of $60, including the fine and other costs.

For more information, visit PennDOT's Web site at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.