One Good Reason Is All It Takes

posted 08/01/2008
We've all hear the slogan "Buckle Up" or newest one "Click it or ticket." I've never thought much of trendy advertising, so I won't throw out a new slogan for people to wear their seatbelts. I believe that the facts can be more persuasive than slogans. Here are some statistics from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration:

FACT: People on San Juan Island are more likely to be injured or killed in a traffic accident than those living in Seattle. The crash fatality rate in rural areas is more than double that of urban areas.

FACT: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds.

FACT: People in rural areas use seatbelts less than those in urban areas.

FACT: More fatal "ejection accidents" occur in rural areas than urban areas.

FACT: Safety belt use in pickup trucks is lower than in any other type of vehicle on the road.

FACT: Airbags alone are extremely ineffective in preventing severe injury. Airbag deployment without seatbelts can actually INCREASE injuries and even cause death in small children and adults.

FACT: Seatbelts save lives!

Knowledge doesn't always translate into action. I always cite the examples of the Respiratory Therapist who smokes or the Cardiologist who eats a lot of fast food as evidence of this. We all display our own cognitive dissonance at times.

People will make the choice to use their seatbelts or not for a myriad of reasons. Some will comply with the law to avoid a ticket. Some won't comply because "the government won't tell me what to do!"

Some have been personally spared the tragedy of severe injury or death because they were wearing their seatbelt. Some will believe the false myth that "if I wear a seatbelt, I won't be able to get out of the car after the accident." There are a thousand other reasons why people will make excuses to not wear their seatbelt.

But all you need is ONE good reason TO wear your seatbelt. Whatever it is for you, find it! Here are a few good reasons that may help you find YOUR reason:

I want to avoid the cost of a ticket.
I want to save gasoline, and my seatbelt reminds me to slow down when I drive.
I feel more secure when I am wearing my seatbelt.
I want my kids to be safe whenever they get in the car.
I want to spare my family the pain of losing me in an accident.
I don't want to be disfigured by the sharp glass of the windshield.
I want to protect myself. Even though I am a safe driver, others are not.
I want to develop healthy habits in my life.
I don't want my children thrown from the bed of the truck in an accident.
I want to set a good example for the children of the island and demonstrate safe behavior.

Whatever your reason, find it. Then do something to help you remember to MAKE IT A HABIT. Put a little reminder on your keychain or dashboard. Look at the dashboard and get the little "seatbelt guy" to stop staring at you. Make a fun game for your kids by playing "the Seatbelt Game." One good reason is all it takes. If you are in an accident, stay calm, calm and call 9-1-1 right away. Help is on the way!

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is currently enrolled in the Health Sciences Master Degree Program in Emergency Services Management through George Washington University. Prior to coming to San Juan, he was the Director of the School of EMS for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.