Local high schools recognized for seat belt use

Three local high schools recently were recognized for achieving high rates of seat belt use by students.

Saxony Lutheran High School, with a seat belt use rate of 98.9 percent, won the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety's award for highest use. The school will receive $500 through American Family Insurance to use in future campaigns promoting seat belt use, according to a news release.

Notre Dame Regional High School, with a seat belt usage rate of 98.37 percent, won the silver award. This goes to schools with between 95 and 98 percent seat belt use. The school received a banner that was donated by the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians.

Clearwater High School in Piedmont, Mo., won the coalition's most improved award and also received a $500 donation through American Family Insurance.

Of the 195 participating schools statewide, 43 were from Southeast Missouri.

It's good to see students participate in these campaigns. Seat belt use is critical. We've seen the videos that show what can happen in a car wreck. Seat belts can help save lives.

In the fall the Southeast Missourian joined AT&T and the Missouri Press Association in promoting the It Can Wait campaign against texting while driving. This, along with proper seat belt use, is important for all drivers, particularly the youngest, to appreciate. Driving a vehicle is a privilege, and there's no sense in putting your life or the lives of others at risk through risky behavior.

We applaud the students of these local schools and others who participated in the campaign. Please be safe on the roadways and buckle up.