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During a press conference at IDOT’s Emergency Traffic Patrol Headquarters in Chicago dozens of people gathered to celebrate the lives that have been saved from seatbelt usage. Saved by the Safety Belt Medallions were awarded to more than 15 people from Chicago, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, Lincolnshire and New Lenox by local police departments. Speakers at the Saved by the Belt press conference, IDOT Secretary Tim Martin, State Senator John Cullerton, Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent and Regional Administrator of NHTSA Don McNamara applauded Illinois motorists for 83% seatbelt compliance, up 7% from last year.

“By choosing not to wear a seatbelt you are gambling with your life,” said Tim W. Martin, IDOT Secretary. “The fact is people are 50-percent more likely to survive a serious crash by doing something as simple as buckling up. The tremendous support displayed here today makes me confident that 83% compliance is only the beginning for Illinois.”

Also a speaker, 16-year-old Rebecca Oginni of Crystal Lake talked about a serious car crash she was involved in four months ago. Rebecca was driving home from a friend’s house when she fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into a tree, totaling her car. She attributes her escape with only minor injuries to being taught from a young age to always wear her seatbelt.

Police departments from Chicago, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, Lincolnshire, New Lenox, Schaumburg, Streamwood and the Illinois State Police were in attendance.

Traffic safety advocates throughout the state are working to increase awareness of the lifesaving value of safety belts by the public recognizing individuals who have been Saved by the Safety Belt. For more information or to submit a nomination for the Illinois Saved by the Safety Belt Club visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

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