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Published on Friday, November 21, 2003
in the Lakeland Ledger (11-21-03)
Every year, more than 500,000 people are involved in traffic crashes in Florida.
The people not wearing seat belts in those crashes are about 14 times more likely to be killed than those who are buckled up, according to the Web site for "Buckle Up Florida," a campaign to increase seat-belt usage in Florida.
Beginning today, law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be taking part in "Buckle Up Florida," as well as the "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." campaign.
It's the first time the two campaigns have teamed up for the several-week effort that will continue through Jan. 4, 2004.
According to Buckle Up Florida, wearing a seat belt is the "single most effective way to protect yourself from death or serious injury in a traffic crash."
Local law enforcement agencies said they will be closely patrolling Polk County roads that are heavily traveled during the holidays, such as U.S. 27, State Road 60 and Interstate 4.
Florida Highway Patrol Capt. Linda Perkins said during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which begins Wednesday, there will be 10 to 12 troopers patrolling Polk County at any given time.
Several troopers will be working on an overtime program, she said.
"We will actively participate in the Buckle Up and DUI campaigns," Perkins said Thursday. "There will be key roads we will be focusing on."
Perkins said in addition to monitoring traffic and investigating crashes, troopers will also be assisting disabled vehicles on heavily traveled roads such as I4.
Drivers who need assistance from the FHP or Road Rangers can call *FHP.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said it too will be participating in the six-week joint campaign.
"The whole traffic unit will always be looking for those violations," said Sgt. Michael Green, who supervises the Sheriff's Office traffic unit of about 12 deputies.
Green said drivers should not rely solely on vehicle airbags for protection and should always wear a seat belt.
"An air bag is not designed to work by itself," Green said. "All systems are designed to work together. An airbag supplements the seat belt."
Green offered three tips for safe driving during the holidays:
"Wear your seat belt, have a designated driver, and give yourself time to get where you are going," Green said.
Both Green and Perkins said that traffic will be busier than normal during the holidays, and drivers need to prepare for backups.