By AMY RICKER
Great Bend Post
While not everyone likes to wear them, seat belts are the greatest defense against impaired, angry distracted drivers. Seat belts reduce major crash-related injuries by approximately 50%. While airbags do provide protection, they should not be used instead of a seat belt.
Through March 5, the Great Bend Police Department (GBPD) reminds everyone to buckle up as they participate in the Seatbelts Are For Everyone Enforcement Initiative (SAFE).
GBPD Lieutenant Jason Settle says the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office proclaims a SAFE week every year. While it's similar to the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, SAFE is primarily focused around schools.
"We'll be more proactive in seatbelt enforcement. It's the most effective way to encourage more seatbelt use and hopefully save more lives," says Settle.
Seat belts save lives is a simple concept, but Lieutenant Settle says it's true even if you are traveling in town at a lower rate of speed.
"Seat belts and child restraints protect because if you get into an accident and your child isn't properly restrained, they could become a projectile even in a 30-mph accident. Two cars hit each other that are each traveling at 30 mph, that's a 60-mph impact," explains Settle.
Lieutenant Settle says the fine for not wearing a seat belt is $30. However, he says that most people wear their seat belts due to marketing campaigns' successes and the fact that most cars will alert the driver when they are not wearing them.