Northwest Seatbelt Blitz Aims for Injury Prevention
The Oregonian reported this afternoon that police in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia will be ramping up patrols to enforce seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.
Police will conduct a traffic-safety enforcement blitz through Feb. 22, focusing on the use of seat belts and child passenger restraints. The article points out that seat belt use has doubled since Oregon required motorists to use the belts back in 1990. In that same time, Oregon motor vehicle fatality and injury rates have dropped.
I have handled many injury claims throughout the years, and although I am sure it has happened, I cannot recall a client telling me that they were not wearing a seat belt. I do, however, recall at least one case where I represented a person's estate because the driver was thrown from their car and killed at the accident scene.
Other Helpful Links:
Child Seat Guide for 2009
National Safety Council Safety Campaign for Seat Belts and Air Bags
