Political Quotes

“I offer this resolution today and encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting Buckle Up America Week. This national campaign promotes awareness of safety belt and child safety seat use. The fundamental message is that seatbelts save lives. In 2002, over 42,850 people were killed in automobile accidents, and 2.9 million people were injured in such. An average of four Americans die every hour in car accidents, ninety-six people a day. Many of these injuries and deaths could be prevented by wearing a seatbelt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated safety belts saved more than 11,000 American lives in 2000. Educational Programs like Buckle Up America Week have successfully increased seat belt usage. These programs aim to encourage children and adults to start or continue to use safety belts each time they get into their vehicles. I applaud all law enforcement agencies for their commitment to the enforcement of safety belt usage laws. Such dedication serves to encourage increased seat belt usage. Lack of seat belt use costs Americans $26 billion every year. We all pay higher health care and insurance costs because of unbelted drivers and passengers. But, the true cost is the loss of life. Car crashes are the leading killer of all children. Please join me in supporting this important resolution. I urge all of my colleagues to talk with their families and friends about the importance of wearing safety belts.”