Spring Is Here and So Is the National Park Service

Date: May 13, 2011
Contact: Steve Stinnett, [phone]

Whether you're visiting or staying, the National Park Servicewill be strict this spring sending a strong message that anyone caught not wearing a seat belt while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway will be stopped and ticketed.

"Spring is a beautiful time of year, and a great time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway," said Chief Ranger Steve Stinnett. "Don't ruin it by not buckling up because we will be out in force to ensure seat belt use that helps save lives."

This special crackdown, beginning May 15, 2011 and lasting until June 3, 2011 marks the third of many seat belt enforcement mobilizations throughout the Blue Ridge corridor designed to increase seat belt use and decrease motor vehicle fatalities.

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 189 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in America's national parks from 2005-2009, and nearly half (46 percent) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of their fatal crash. Over the same five-year period, 39 passenger vehicle occupants died just in Roanoke County, and sadly 64 percent were not wearing their seat belts.

"Seat belts clearly save lives, but unfortunately too many people still need a tough reminder," Stinnett said.  "Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, and the consequences for not wearing a seat belt could cost you everything."

Remember, buckle up and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. You could save them the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.  

For more information, please visithttp://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Occupant+Protection

 * According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all numbers and percentages referencing belted or unbelted fatalities are based on "Known Usage."