Results of a recent statewide survey reveal that Missouri drivers and passengers are buckling up more in 2016, but still have much room to improve.
Based on 123,678 observations of Missouri drivers and passengers in this year's statewide survey, the safety belt use rate is 81.4 percent, up 1.5 percent from 2015. This is still far behind the national average, which was 88.5 percent in 2015.
Safety belt usage ranged from a low of 63 percent in Jackson County to a high of 95 percent in Montgomery County. The survey also indicated that females tend to buckle up more than males with 85 and 78.6 percent respectively. Pickup truck drivers are only 69.7 percent likely to buckle up, while drivers of sport utility vehicles buckle up at 86.7 percent.
"It's vital that the driver and all passengers are buckled up every trip, every one, every time, day and night," said Bill Whitfield, chair of the executive committee for the coalition. "Ninety-four percent of the time driver error is responsible for a crash, and your safety belt is your best defense if a crash occurs."
Modern vehicles are safer than they have ever been. Integrated safety systems such as airbags and crumple zones have drastically increased chances of crash survival. However, all of these safety improvements are designed with the assumption that the occupants of a vehicle are properly restrained with a safety belt. Not wearing a safety belt severely undermines a vehicle's ability to keep its passengers safe in a crash.
As of Sept. 29, 669 people have died in Missouri traffic crashes this year, an 8% increase over this time last year. Of those deaths, 439 were vehicle occupants who had a seat belt available, but 60 percent chose not to wear a safety belt and were killed. Many of these people might be alive today if they had simply buckled up.
For more information on highway safety, visit saveMOlives.com. You can also follow Save MO Lives on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
National child passenger safety week is September 18-24
It's more than just a law
Is your child in the right safety seat? The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to ensure all caregivers of young children know the importance of buckling children in an appropriate child restraint.
In 2015, four children were killed and 61 suffered injuries as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in Missouri. Thirteen percent of these children killed or seriously injured were not restrained in a car seat or safety belt.
Missouri law requires all children under eight to be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat, unless:
They are at least 80 pounds; or
They are at least 4'9" tall.
Motorists can expect increased enforcement of Missouri's child seat safety laws throughout this campaign.
"The goal is to make sure all parents and caregivers are correctly securing all children in the right car restraints for their age and size," said Bill Whitfield, chair of the executive committee for the coalition. "Safety seats prevent serious injuries and could save your child's life.
Child safety seat technicians will provide education and car seat inspections at locations across the states. In central Missouri, you can participate in the Roll & Read event at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Car-Seat-Check will also be conducted by the Jefferson City Fire Department at the event. A list of car seat inspection stations and locations across the state can be found at seatcheck.org. Appointments may be necessary.
Also, remember that car seats also have expiration dates. Due to the extreme heat and cold that they're subject to, they can break down over time. Used car seats can also be dangerous, especially if you don't know the seat's history.
"We urge everyone to get their child safety seats inspected," said Whitfield. "When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes."
For more information on Child Passenger Safety Week, visit saveMOlives.com. You can also follow Save MO Lives on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Dexter, Missouri - During the Stoddard County Fair the Dexter Lion's Club Funnel Cake booth will also sell "Back the Blue" bulbs.
Supplies are limited to 200 and are available for $5.00 each. Make sure you get there Tuesday after the parade and get your bulbs and support a great cause.
The proceeds will be split between the Stoddard County Sheriff's Dept and the Dexter Police Department.
Buy a bulb, show your gratitude and help the Lion's Club give these HEROES a small token of our appreciation!
Jefferson City, Missouri - Sunday, September 11th, 2016 marks the 15 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in suburban Pennsylvania. Patriot Day serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning.
On Patriot Day, the President directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 AM Eastern time, the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center that morning.
In accordance with state law, the United States and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide will be flown at half-staff on Sunday (Sept. 11) to honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Fifteen years later, we continue to remember and mourn those whose lives were lost on 9/11,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “This Sunday, Missourians will join all Americans in honoring those we lost, and thanking the brave men and women in uniform who protect us each and every day, at home and abroad.”
AMBER ALERT ISSUED!
Syncere Valliant (9 months old)
Last seen Sep 6, 2016 in Independence, MO
Vehicle:
2003 Pontiac Grand Am, Black over red
Missouri license plate #DL3V3F
The Independence Police Department has issued an amber alert for a child abduction that occurred at 17007 east 24 highway, in Independence, Missouri, 64056 at 10:45 AM on september 6, 2016.
Abducted was Syncere Lee Valiant, black, female, age 9 months. Suspect vehicle is a black over red, 2003 pontiac, grand am, missouri registration, DL3V3F.
The suspect is Robert T. Valiant, black male, 31 years old, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 170 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, light complexion, with and visible neck tattoo. Anyone seeing the victim, suspect, or vehicle or anyone having any information related to the abduction should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Independence police department at 816-836-3600.
