Pennsylvania Seat Belt Use Reaches Record High of 83.3 Percent

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 27 -- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., announced today that seat belt use in Pennsylvania for 2005 has reached more than 83 percent, the highest rate seen since PennDOT began surveying usage in 1988.

"While we are encouraged by the increase in the state's seat belt use rate, PennDOT, along with our other safety partners will continue to deliver the vital message about the importance of wearing a seat belt," Biehler said.

Biehler credited both the state and local police, Buckle Up PA, the state Department of Health (DOH), the Comprehensive Highway Safety Coordinators, the PA SAFE KIDS Coalition, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Pennsylvania AAA Federation and the Pennsylvania DUI Association for their continual support in helping to deliver the message about the importance of wearing a seat belt.

This year's seat belt usage rate in Pennsylvania is 83.3 percent, up from 81.8 percent reported last year. PennDOT estimates that with every percentage point increase in seat belt usage, eight to 12 lives will be saved.

In 2004, 578 unbuckled fatalities occurred on the state's highways.

PennDOT established the new rate by observing front seat occupants on interstates, limited access highways and other roads during commuting and non- commuting periods and weekends over a two-week period in June.

PennDOT also attributes the recent increase in seat belt use to the "Click It or Ticket. Two Fines. Two Tickets," campaign, which started in May 2002. Pennsylvania is one of 47 states to participate in the national seat belt enforcement and education campaign. The program's message is clear: If a driver is stopped and cited for an offense and is found to be unbuckled, he or she may receive an additional citation for violating the seat belt law. That equals two fines and two tickets.

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 eight 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.