Safety Belt Law changes June 30

Major Richard D. Carpenter, commander of the Florida Highway Patrol’s Troop B that covers Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Hamilton, Marion and Suwannee counties, highlighted the new provision to Florida’s primary safety belt enforcement law that takes effect June 30, 2009.
FHP is initiating a statewide safety belt campaign called Click Florida! this month to educate motorists about Florida’s safety belt laws, why it is important to buckle up, and the Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law.
“Florida has more than 15 million licensed drivers, plus millions of visitors every year,” said Carpenter. “Law enforcement officers and emergency workers have witnessed first-hand the severe injury and death that can result from lack of safety belt use. Crashes can happen anytime, but by wearing your safety belt, you can limit your chances of becoming a traffic-related statistic. The Florida Highway Patrol encourages everyone to buckle up! It could save your life.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that Florida’s primary safety belt law will prevent more than 1,700 serious automobile crash injuries every year.
On June 30, 2009, the Florida Highway Patrol will partner with the Slosberg Foundation at an event in south Florida to announce the kick-off of the Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law.
Florida Highway Patrol and Driver License offices around the state will display posters about the important changes to the safety belt law. Troopers also will disseminate brochures during traffic stops, crash investigations, and safety events to educate motorists.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through three main areas: driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov