Seatbelts saves lives

By Col. Paul Hossenlopp, Fort Sill Garrison commanderJune 7, 2012

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Everyday is a fight on our highways, a fight to protect those sharing the nation's roadways from crashes and the resulting tragedies.

Fortunately, you may have heard the good news that fatalities from traffic crashes have steadily decreased. This isn't just good news, it is great

However, we still can't overlook the fact that nationwide 22,187 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2010, and 51 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes. These losses have a big impact on the military community, as motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all military personnel. Tragedies from traffic crashes leave families in shock and pain and oftentimes in financial need. They also leave our installation and nation without valued service members.

But there's a very easy way to help prevent motor vehicle fatalities, wear your seat belt. To remind Fort Sill drivers, the Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization occurred May 21 through June 3. Fort Sill law enforcement personnel were out in full force to encourage motorists to buckle up.

The good news is Fort Sill motorists appear to understand the value of wearing their seatbelts. Law enforcement personnel only cited two drivers for failure to wear their seatbelts.

Fort Sill's campaign coincided with local and national efforts as police mobilized to enforce state seat belt laws. Motorists who drove without their seat belt buckled faced a ticket and a fine.

Aside from saving money, each time you buckle up, you make a difference in your own personal safety. On average, seat belts save more than 12,000 lives nationwide every year. Whether you're a driver or passenger, on post or off duty, driving during the day or night, wearing a seat belt is the easiest way to protect yourself from death or injury in a crash.

Remember, wearing a seat belt is required on post. Make it a requirement for your personal vehicle, too, when the risk of a fatal crash is higher -- especially for pickup truck and night drivers and passengers.

You may have the money to pay the fine, but in the event of a crash, you can't afford to pay with your life. Rest assured, if that thought doesn't inspire you to buckle up, Fort Sill law enforcement will be on the lookout to motivate.