All-time high seat belt usage recorded in Illinois | News

CHICAGO, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday that Illinois has achieved an all-time high seat belt usage rate in 2012.

Federal observational surveys showed that 93.6 percent of front-seat passengers were using seat belts as of June. That's up from last year's percentage of 92.9 and is also above the national average of 84 percent.

The governor said this significant achievement is credited to awareness campaigns, driver compliance, strategic partnerships with state and local law enforcement and a stronger safety legislation.

"Labor Day weekend should be a time of parades, barbecues and baseball, not sitting in a hospital ER, wondering if a loved one will survive a crash," Gov. Quinn said.

Prior to the primary safety belt law, police could not pull a driver over based solely on a seat belt violation. Since the seat belt law was enacted in July 2003, belt usage has increased every year.

"Through our effective partnerships with law enforcement and advocacy groups across Illinois, we have been able to achieve a record rate of seat belt usage," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider.

Other legislation that was signed by Gov. Quinn last summer required that all passengers buckle up, including passengers in the back seat.

"State troopers work with IDOT and other organizations to promote safety awareness and enforce seat belt usage statewide, and we are pleased that more motorists are using their seat belts every year," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau.

 Drivers are reminded to drive sober and safely over the holiday weekend and to not text and drive.

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