Delaware highway officials say there’s an uptick in deaths involving people not wearing seatbelts
DELAWARE – Delaware highway officials say that deaths involving people not wearing a seatbelt is on the rise. The Delaware Office of Highway Safety says there’s been a 32% increase in the number of people killed after getting into accidents while not wearing a seatbelt. Traffic Safety Program Manager Sarah Cattie says the group that wears their seatbelts the least is young men under the age of 30. “53% of those fatal crashes is involving a young male under the age of 30. So that’s a concern to us because that’s a group that also has other high risk factors,” said Cattie.
Cattie adds that the reason those young men might not be wearing their seatbelts could be because people are driving differently during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says officials have been seeing an increase in speeding and distracted driving. “Maybe those great habits that you established like buckling your seatbelt and putting your phone down – you haven’t had to do it for a few months and you’re getting back into it,” said Cattie.
In Seaford, Master Corporal Eric Chambers says those deadly crashes could easily be prevented if people fastened their seatbelts before driving off. “You’re going to save a life if you’re wearing your seatbelt. If you get involved in an accident, you have a 50% higher chance of surviving that crash if your seatbelt is worn. So it’s just a no brainer,” said MCpl. Chambers.
MCpl. Chambers also says it’s important to remember that everyone in a vehicle needs to be strapped in, no matter if they’re driving or not. “The operator is also responsible for all their passengers whether they’re adults or children. Everybody has to have a seatbelt on. If somebody in your vehicle is not wearing one, including yourself, you will get a ticket,” said MCpl. Chambers.
MCpol. Chambers says that the next time you get into your car, you can probably expect to see more officers out on the roads enforcing the click it or ticket initiative. He says that’s because they tend to see more violations during the holiday season.
Cattie says a good way to get more people to wear their seatbelts is to have a conversation with loved ones. Cattie adds that the DOHS is working on securing more funding for overtime. She says that way officers can spend more time on the roadways making sure people are buckled up.
