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Buckle up! Police cracking down on people not using seat belts

In 2018, 336 people were killed on Missouri roadways because of partial or full ejection from the vehicle during a traffic crash.

ST. LOUIS — Law enforcement in Illinois and Missouri are keeping a watchful eye out for drivers not wearing seat belts during their national seat belt awareness campaign that ends June 2.

Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Missouri is below the national average when it comes to seat belt use.

Seat belt facts: 

  • In 2018, 336 people were killed on Missouri roadways because of partial or full ejection from the vehicle during a traffic crash.
  • Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash. People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.
  • In 2018, 48,248 people were injured or killed in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways.
  • In 2018, there were 921 people killed in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways
  • The cause of death of 41% of young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 is traffic crashes. Many of whom are not wearing seat belts.
  • A study showed most teens do not wear a seat belt because their parents don't. Set a good example for your children and buckle up. Don't risk them becoming seriously injured or killed because of an example you set.
  • Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.
  • Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
  • The slowest recorded speed in Missouri resulting in a fatal crash was 12 mph.
  • The chance of being involved in a traffic crash at some point in your life is almost 100%. The time to prepare is now and you can do that by buckling up.

Guidelines to buckle up safely:

  • The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
  • Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
  • The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
  • Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

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