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Police: Seatbelts Can Prevent Fatal Accidents

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Nov 12, 2008 6:11 pm US/Eastern

Police: Seatbelts Can Prevent Fatal Accidents

Reporting
David Hall
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― This certainly isn't the first time we've reported on teenagers hurt or killed in a crash involving speeding, and seatbelts. But what are the sobering statistics?

When you hear just how many young drivers are at risk it may shock you. But both insurance agents and police say deadly accidents can be prevented by just wearing your seatbelt.
 
On Route 308 Tuesday night, two cars traveling in opposite directions had head-on collision.

One teenager was killed and three others were flown to Pittsburgh hospitals.

"[Route] 308 can be a dangerous road because it's more along the rural side. It's not a four lane highway, it's not as straight," said State Farm Insurance Agent Ladd Wagner.

Wagner heard of the accident involving four teenagers. None of the four were wearing their seatbelts.

"It's disturbing, it's upsetting because here's somebody in the prime of their life," said Wagner.

"It makes me feel upset because it's a senseless tragedy," said City of Pittsburgh Police Department Sgt Dan Connolly.

A tragedy that's far from uncommon. In fact, according to a study done by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, two-thirds of teens killed in crashes in Pennsylvania are not wearing seat belts and speed is a factor in 40 percent of all teen driver fatalities.

Sgt Connolly says all it takes is just a few seconds to put on your seatbelt but it could actually help save your life.

"The faster they go when that car comes to a dead stop by hitting a tree or a car, they continue to move forward at the same speed the vehicle was moving," said Sgt. Connolly.

"And they might get ejected, hit the steering wheel, hit the dash board and we're going to have severe, and potentially fatal injuries," he added.  "Wearing a seatbelt may not be cool for teenagers but it will save their lives."

Sgt Connolly says the city is actively involved in making sure drivers are putting on their seatbelts with the "Click It or Ticket" initiative.

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