BLYTHEWOOD – The SC Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) joined local law enforcement agencies and health advocates today to emphasize the public health aspect of traffic safety as it launched the annual safety belt awareness campaign.

The Buckle Up, South Carolina mobilization mirrors a multi-layered national initiative from May 19 to June 1 that includes education and enforcement. The goal of the statewide campaign is to increase safety belt usage by 5 percentage points over last year, up to 79.5 percent.

To emphasize the importance of wearing safety belts in motor vehicles, SCDPS is highlighting the three collisions in a crash:

• Vehicle collision: Vehicle slams into another vehicle or fixed object (guard rail, tree, etc.)

• Human collision: Body slams into other occupants and/or interior of vehicle, or flies out of the vehicle through one of the windows

• Internal collision: Internal body parts slam against each other and/or the body’s skeletal structure causing internal bleeding

“The message that we want the motoring public to hear regarding our campaign is that a safety belt is a driver or passenger’s number one defense against injury or death if a collision occurs,” said Phil Riley, Director of SCDPS’ Office of Highway Safety. “Just like a bullet- proof vest protects police officers when they may least expect it, so does a safety belt for someone driving or riding down the highway. Regardless of how safe a driver you may be, a car or truck can come out of nowhere and crash into your vehicle. If you’re not buckled up, you greatly increase your chances of being placed in a life or death situation.”

During the BUSC campaign, the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will allow use of its electronic message boards across the state to help remind motorists to wear safety belts. The posted message will be “Buckle Up. It’s the law.” The message will be posted from May 19 to June 1 during the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. (The message will be pre-empted for Amber alerts and traffic tie-ups.)

According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In 2006, 72 percent of passenger vehicle occupants across the nation involved in fatal crashes who were buckled up survived the crashes. When worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.

The nationwide safety belt mobilization is being supported by a projected $7.5 million in paid national advertising and additional state advertising to encourage motorists to always buckle up in a motor vehicle.

As part of SCDPS’ efforts to inform the public about the state’s mandatory safety belt law and the safety benefits of buckling up, the agency is reissuing a TV commercial that first aired as part of the popular Highways or Dieways campaign.

The first Highways or Dieways black-and-white TV spot aired 20 years ago in 1988. In addition to TV commercials, the campaign also included radio, newspaper and billboards. The spot being aired during this year’s Buckle Up, South Carolina period will be coupled with a more recent enforcement commercial to encourage safety belt usage and compliance with the law.

To gauge the usage of safety belts in South Carolina, SCDPS has commissioned telephone and observational surveys by the University of South Carolina. The results are expected to be available this summer.

Last year, the state marked a record increase in belt usage, with nearly 75 percent of South Carolina motorists buckling up – the highest rate since 1991. The survey result was based on counts conducted in 16 counties that found 74.5 percent of South Carolina drivers and passengers used shoulder style safety belts in June 2007.

SCDPS officials cited several reasons for the rise, including the passage of the primary safety belt law in December 2005. In addition, officials credited SCDPS’ Office of Highway Safety’s educational outreach, as well as enforcement by the Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies – all of which will take place this year as well.

In spite of the progress last year, early statistics for 2008 are cause for concern. As of May 14, 259 people died in motor vehicle collisions with access to safety belts. More than half of them – 179 – were not buckled.

Nationwide, nearly one in five motorists (18 percent) fail to regularly wear safety belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, according to observational seat belt studies conducted by (NHTSA).

BUSC is a high visibility statewide safety belt enforcement and public information campaign coordinated by SCDPS in conjunction with national and regional enforcement mobilizations. The goals are an increase in safety belt usage and a decrease in traffic fatalities and serious injuries during the period and greater awareness about the role safety belts have in keeping motorists safe on the road.

The safety belt campaign also coincides with the launch of Summer H.E.A.T. – Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic – which runs through Labor Day. The enforcement period, roughly 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day, focuses on speeding, driving under the influence, as well as safety belt and child safety seat violations. The 100-day span is traditionally one of the deadliest times on state roads for motorists.

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