Westfall High School Wins Seat Belt Challenge 2014
The nationally known campaign for seat belt use was the highlight of an awards ceremony held at Westfall High School on May 20, 2014. “Click It or Ticket”, the National Enforcement for seat belt use runs now through June 1, 2014. The campaign includes law enforcement and increased patrols to enforce seat belt laws, as well as traffic safety advocates promoting the safety benefits of “Buckling Up Every Trip Every Time”. In Pickaway County, the Sheriff’s Office will join other law enforcement, and use the High Visibility Enforcement grant to add extra patrols to promote seat belt use. Also, Safe Communities will work with local schools and area agencies to note the importance of seat belt use, and safety for drivers and passengers inside a motor vehicle.
“The use of a seatbelt is the number one way you can increase your safety while driving or riding in a motor vehicle”, stated Sheriff Robert Radcliff. “We applaud our younger drivers for their continued efforts to be safer on our roadways, and recommend that all drivers follow their lead and ‘Buckle Up Day and Night’. We also thank Westfall High School for allowing us to use their location for our kick-off event for this mobilization.”
Westfall High School was chosen for the location of the kick-off event due to their win of the annual “Seat Belt Challenge”. Each year, all Pickaway County schools compete to win the overall title through three seat belt surveys, the schools involvement in traffic safety education, and the overall improvement of seat belt use. If students are seen using a cell phone during the survey, the school loses points toward the overall points in the contest.
“We are pleased to announce that Westfall High School is our overall winner this year. This school was in last place for our survey in 2010, but they have made great strides to promote safety, and have steadily increased their seat belt use”, stated Teresa C. Carper, Director for Safe Communities of Pickaway County. “We hope we see our students to continue to encourage others to buckle up, and applaud their efforts to stay safe on our roadways.”
Survey results this year show an overall increase of 28% in use rate among local teens since the first survey taken in November 2010. Logan Elm came in second place this year, followed by last year’s winner Circleville High School, and two time winner Teays Valley High School.
For more information on “Click It or Ticket”, and the importance of seat belt use, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov .
