The Kimball Police Department will be dishing out seatbelt violations to unbuckled motorists during an enhanced Thanksgiving “Safe and Sober” seat belt enforcement campaign, Nov. 18-Dec. 1. The statewide effort will include participation from more than 400 law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, county sheriffs’ offices and the state patrol. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will coordinate the campaign. Despite the fact that 80 percent of Minnesotans buckle up, unbelted motorists represented 62 percent of the state’s 544 vehicle occupant traffic fatalities in 2002. Last year in Stearns County, 14 people died and 323 were unbuckled. “If you’re driving unbuckled to grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner, we’ll serve you an appetizer – a seat belt ticket,” says Chief Todd Rohloff. Seat belts play a vital role in occupant protection – especially in rollover crashes. OTS reports that rollovers accounted for 36 percent of all Minnesota vehicle occupant traffic fatalities in 2002. Among the 196 occupant fatalities that resulted from rollovers, almost 80 percent were not belted, and more than half were ejected from the vehicle. In August, Minnesota hockey legend Herb Brooks was ejected and killed in a rollover crash. “It’s best to stay seated during the duration of the crash. Inside the vehicle is the safest place to be,” says Chief Todd Rohloff. Currently, the number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents in Minnesota already is at 512. The total number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents last year was 475; and that was the highest number of such deaths in two decades. The “Safe and Sober” campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and is administered by OTS. The program is designed to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Please buckle up and enjoy the holiday seasons that are upon us. Submitted by Todd Rohloff
