Statistics from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) show seat belt usage reduces the odds of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash by up to 45%.

During a special month and a -half- long special enforcement (Oct. 1-Nov. 15), in and around Scotts Bluff County, troopers will place special emphasis on seat belt usage in an effort to prevent serious injury and fatality crashes.

“From harvest to hunting fall is a busy time on our roadways,” said Captain Mike Gaudreault, Commander Troop E- Scottsbluff. “While our emphasis will be on seat belt usage, we hope increasing trooper presence will reduce the potential for crashes through voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.”

Over the past two years there have been 10 fatality crashes on roads in Scotts Bluff County. Of these fatal crashes 60% have occurred on county roadways. Eight of the people killed were unrestrained motor vehicle drivers or passengers; one was a pedestrian and one a motorcyclist.  Five of the crashes involved alcohol and two crashes involved drivers under the age of 21. Six of the crashes occurred on the weekend (Friday–Sunday).

The special enforcement will include high visibility patrols on county roads in and around Scotts Bluff County during the early afternoon and evening hours. A $3,300 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway safety will help fund the special enforcement effort.

Captain Gaudreault said, “We need motorists to put the odds in their favor and always buckle up.”