Cathy Kates Was Shocked To Learn She’s Been Breaking The Law In Her Car

Seat belts must be worn properly or they won't do what they’re designed to do in a crash, save lives.  Minnesota statistics show that there are about 150 deaths and more than 400 serious injuries because motorists aren't wear they're seat belts properly.  I was shocked to read that something I do (yes, I'm admitting it) is illegal. 

The Duluth Police Department is dedicating the month of October to working towards increased seat belt enforcement efforts with their goal to promote safety and to reduce injuries.

We all know that it is a Minnesota state law to wear your seat belt and I do, but it usually becomes irritating because it practically comes across my throat, so I take it off my shoulder and place it under my arm.  I'm still buckled in, but NOT PROPERLY and I need to stop, because it's illegal to wear it that way.

Remember when the seat belt law first went into effect?  The campaign at that time suggested the driver didn't take the car out of park until all people in the car had their seat belts on.  Now when I get in the car it's just automatic to reach for it.  According to a press release from the City of Duluth Police Department, Minnesota’s seat belt law is a primary offense, that means drivers and all passengers in even in the backseat must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.

Seat belts restrain motorists in the vehicle and keep the driver correctly positioned behind the wheel to help maintain control of a vehicle.

In the month of October the Duluth Police Department will be watchful for those motorists that aren't using their seat belt or using it improperly and they will be stopping and ticketing those that are not abiding by the law.

We know that accidents will happen, but when if you use your seat belt properly it will increase your survival in the event of a crash.

SEAT BELT USE SAFETY TIPS

Always buckle up, before you take the car out of park make sure all your passengers are belted, too. In the event of a crash, motorists who don't have their seat belt on can slam into and injure or kill others inside a vehicle.

Wear lap belts low and snug across the hips; shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back — not only is this unsafe, it is illegal. (ok, ok, I'm not going to do that again).

Children under age 13 should always ride in the back seat. Kids under 4-feet 9-inches should be in a booster seat.

Seat belts for pregnant women should be worn with the lap belt under the stomach, as low on the hips as possible.  The shoulder belt should rest between the breasts.

Airbags work with the seat belts to keep you in a safe position.

Remember, the Duluth Police Department will be out this month watching to make sure you AND your passengers have your seat belts on and on properly.

Info via:  City of Duluth/DPD, dps.mn.gov