Good News - Floridians are now buckling up at more than the national percentage!

A recent press release from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) stated some great news, "....that statewide safety belt use reached a record 85.2% this year following FDOT's 2009 Click It or Ticket safety belt campaign and the passage of the state's primary enforcement law.  The national safety belt use rate for 2009 is 84%."

As an accident attorney, I would like to once again applaud Florida's lawmakers and law enforcement organizations for their effectiveness that resulted in this amazing statistical accomplishment.   

This is great news for all Floridian's safety and that of our visitors. However, we need to keep up the good work and each and everyone of us need to continue to properly wear our seat belts each and every time we start our engines, no matter how long the trip, and make sure that everyone else in the car does the same!  Remember too, our children are watching and learning what we do.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that with passage of the primary safety belt law in June of this year that "Florida will save 124 lives, prevent 1,733 serious injuries, and save $408 million in associated costs each year."

So, Buckle up Florida... it just might save a life and it could be yours or a loved one. 

I would also like to remind all parents and caretakers to make sure your young passengers are also buckled up safely, with properly installed and age appropriate safety restraints.  Is your most precious cargo buckled up safely? 

These are topics that we have written about the importance of many times; here are just a few of our articles:

Buckle up: Odds are it just might save your life.

Reminder: Buckle up or you will get ticketed.

Great News! Seat Belt Use Now a Primary Offense in Florida.  Also, A Heads Up...

Primary and Secondary Offenses: Know our rights but stay safe!

Seat belts; I hate them! Do I have to buckle up in Florida? 

What is a "seat belt defense"? 

Reminder: Always buckle-up, especially on our rural roads! 

A Tragic Reminder To: Keep Your Distance, Pay Attention, and Buckle Up!