WSP troopers emphasize seatbelt law on 10th anniversary
May 21, 2012, 2:24 PM | Updated: 4:09 pm
When troopers pull you over because you're not buckled up, their goal has been to reduce fatal collisions. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
When you’re driving down the interstate, state patrol is
looking for your belt latch, the way a belt hangs above
your seat, and even your quick buckle up after you spot a
cruiser on the side of the road.
It’s been ten years since driving without a seatbelt
became a “primary offense” in Washington, and State Patrol
spokesperson Trooper Guy Gill said we’ve reached a 98
percent compliance rate.
Overall, the goal of the troopers is to reduce fatal
collisions.
“We want to make sure folks are understanding they save
lives; seatbelts do make a difference in collisions, even
minor collisions,” said Gill. “We’re going to go out
there, we’re going to work hard, and get that compliance
because it’s important to us.”
Non-belted fatalities still make up 67 percent of fatal
car
crashes, which is why troopers are serious about catching
people not wearing seatbelts.
“It
should be as simple as waking up and brushing your teeth.”
Said Gill, “Often times, pulling somebody over and writing
a ticket is what it takes to correct that.”
It will be
business as usual on the law’s 10th anniversary, but you
can expect a few more
troopers on the road that Gill said will “emphasize” the
need to buckle up.
