In 1995 alone, 674 Oklahomans died and 51,461 were injured in auto crashes. 155 of those killed were children or teenagers. Most of these deaths and thousands of these injuries could have been prevented if seat belts had been used. We all share the needless costs of these tragedies.

Unbelted Oklahoman's in auto crashes are:

1. Twice as likely to be hospitalized
2. Injured 2 – 4 times as severely
3. Need much longer stays in the hospital
4. Incur 2 – 7 times as great of medical costs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-(NHTSA) estimates that auto crashes cost the citizens of Oklahoma approximately $1,700,000,000* each year in medical and legal costs, lost wages and lost productivity. NHTSA also reports that 66% of our unbuckled motorist injured in auto crashes are uninsured or on government programs like Medicaid or Worker's Compensation. We all share these costs of unnecessary deaths and injuries through our insurance premiums and taxes.

* Based on figures provided by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, DC

1. Encourage standard enforcement of seat belt laws.
2. Buckle up every time you get in the car.
3. Make sure younger children are properly secured in car seats. All children are safer in the back seat.
4. Urge your family and friends to wear seat belts whenever they travel in the car, even for short trips around town.
5. Remember, air bags work best when used in conjunction with seat belts.
6. Spread the word!