Ohio State Patrol Urges Motorist to Buckle Up

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In a special edition of #LitterMediaLIVE, Ohio State Highway Patrol Post Commander, Lt. Shad Caplinger says there’s no disputing that safety belts save lives.

According to Caplinger, from 209 through 2023, 2,554 people in Ohio were killed and an additional 62,661 were injured in traffic crashes where a safety belt was available, but not used. In 2023. Ohio’s unbelted fatality rate was 61%, marking the fourth consecutive year that the rate was 60% or higher in the state.

“Safety belts are a proven lifesaver, and we urge every motorist to buckle up” said Caplinger. “Every click of a safety belt represents a decision to prioritize life and reduce the risk of severe injury.”

According to a release from Caplinger’s office, statistics show that in states bordering Ohio that have a primary safety belt law, safety belt rates are higher than Ohio’s and fewer citations are used for safety belt violations.

Since 2019, troopers have issued nearly 350,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

State troopers work tirelessly each day to improve safety on Ohio’s roads by enforcing traffic laws and educating the public. Sometimes that education comes through a motorist receiving a ticket, other times it can be achieved with a warning. But every time, it is about positively influencing changing driving behavior.

CLICK HERE for up-to-date statistics and crash information related to safety belts.