Butler high students undergo surprise seat belt inspection

Vandalia police, SADD trying to promote seat belt usage

VANDALIA — Butler High School students who weren’t wearing their seatbelts after school on Sept. 18 got a safety reminder.

As part of a surprise seat belt check, members of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the Vandalia police force teamed up at the high school’s parking lot exits to see who was wearing his seatbelt. Students wearing their seat belts were treated with a candy bar; those caught without their seat belts received a brochure on seat belt safety.

All drivers were also reminded that the speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.

“We are doing this as part of a larger effort to heighten awareness about seat belt safety and healthy choices,” said Ginger Ross, SADD adviser at Butler High School.

A second seat belt check will be conducted in the spring, and SADD members will see if seatbelt use improves.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in 15- to 20-year olds. One of the biggest reasons for the high fatality is low seat belt use among teens. In 2007, 55 percent of teenagers killed in fatal vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belts.

SADD also develops and promotes programs throughout the year to prevent harmful or self-destructive behavior like suicide, violence, underage drinking and substance abuse, and drinking and driving.