On May 19, the House approved, 377-2, H. Con. Res. 166, expressing the sense of Congress in support of Buckle Up America Week, a national campaign that promotes and encourages safety belt use. Sponsored by Rep. David Vitter (R-LA), the resolution notes that over 42,000 people were killed and almost 3 million were injured in automobile accidents last year, and that failure to use seatbelts and child safety seats contributes to more fatalities and injuries than any other traffic safety-related behavior.
“The fundamental message is that seatbelts save lives,” said Rep. Vitter.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts saved over 11,000 lives in the United States last year. Still, car crashes are the leading cause of death among children. H. Con. Res. 166 encourages Americans to talk to family and friends about the importance of wearing seat belts; commends law enforcement agencies for their commitment to enforcing seatbelt laws; and applauds national and community agencies for their work in promoting Buckle Up America Week and calls on legislative leaders to participate in Buckle Up America events.
“Prior campaigns of this kind have produced a 9 percent overall increase in seat belt use. So today we begin by putting people on notice to click it or expect a ticket,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
