Washington�s 2007 Seat Belt Use Rate Climbs

For Immediate Release: September 25, 2007

Among highest in the nation for the second year in a row

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that the rate of seat belt use in Washington is among the highest in the nation. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the use rate in Washington has climbed an additional tenth of a point to 96.4%.

�Washington�s high seat belt use is more good news for Washington communities,� said Governor Chris Gregoire. �Thank you to Washington drivers for helping to improve the safety of our roads.�

A nationwide observational research survey of seat belt use is conducted annually by the NHTSA. The 2007 Washington survey, conducted in July, comprised 100,532 vehicle drivers and passengers and was done statewide on a variety of road types following research protocols established by the NHTSA.

�These 2007 results should keep Washington in the top three, if not the top spot, for seat belt compliance in the nation,� said Lowell Porter, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. �I am pleased with the cooperative spirit of state and local law enforcement with their Traffic Safety Task Forces, which has helped our state stay at the forefront of seat belt usage. And, only with the strong support of the public in each community, can Washington be a national leader in traffic safety.�

In June 2002, when Washington�s primary seat belt law went into effect, approximately 82% of drivers wore seatbelts. Since the adoption of the law and the launch of the �Click it or Ticket� project, seat belt use has climbed steadily during the years. Studies show that seat belts reduce serious injuries by 69% and deaths by 45%.

�The Washington State Patrol has been very involved with daytime and nighttime seat belt enforcement and education efforts and we are very pleased that motorists are doing their part to stay safe,� said Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste

Studies conducted in Washington show that medical costs from collisions amount to over $276 million each year in Washington. An unbelted vehicle occupant�s medical costs average $11,000 more per collision than those of a belted vehicle occupant�s.