LETTERS: STRONGER SEAT BELT LAW

To the editor:

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has joined with Safety Belts First, a committee of concerned Missourians, in its effort to promote strong laws protecting the lives of Missouri citizens.

A strong primary seat belt law will save lives in Missouri, as it already has in 11 other states. States with primary laws average 14 percent higher seat belt usage than those with secondary laws. Primary enforcement sends motorists a clear message that the state considers seat belt use mandatory for the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

In 1995, 1,109 people died and 81,114 people were injured in 185,915 traffic accidents on Missouri roadways. Six hundred sixty-six of those killed and 20,939 of the injured were not wearing seat belts. This means that a motor vehicle occupant not wearing a seat belt was killed or injured in a traffic crash every 24.34 minutes in Missouri in 1995.

The saying, "Seat belts save lives," may be cliche, but it also is very true. The original version of House Bill 100 strengthened Missouri's seat belt law, protecting Missouri's children in the back as well as front seats of all motor vehicles, extending seat belt usage requirements to pickup trucks and prohibiting children from riding in open cargo areas. Missouri needs a strong, pure seat belt law for the sake of the safety of its citizens.

CAPT. C.A. GREENO

Public Information and Education Division

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Jefferson City