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Seat-belt law restraining highway death toll

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The majority of those killed in car crashes on South Carolina roadways in 2006 weren't wearing seat belts. And a high number of male drivers in general don't wear the devices.

Still, a year after police were allowed to begin stopping drivers who aren't buckling up, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety says the new seat-belt law is making a difference.

"We have no doubt that the new seat-belt (law) has helped drive down motor vehicle deaths this year," said Department of Public Safety Direction James Schweitzer in a release. "But the mindset is slow to change."

From Dec. 9, 2005, when the law took effect, to Dec. 4 of this year, the South Carolina Highway Patrol issued 111,688 seat-belt citations, the Department of Public Safety reports.

Sixty nine percent were issued to men, according to the report.

As of Dec. 7 of this year, 970 people have died in crashes in the Palmetto State compared to 1,026 who died in 2005.

Crash fatalities in Beaufort and Jasper counties have been reduced by 5 and 38 percent, respectively, Lt. Tommy Collins of the Highway Patrol said.

In South Carolina, 724 people died in vehicle crashes this year. That number does not include pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists who lost their lives.

Of that number, 439 weren't wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the Department of Public Safety.

"Sadly, 439 people still died this year not buckled up," Schweitzer said. "Many of those would be with their families this holiday season had they made that simple decision to buckle up."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Georgia's highway death rate dropped 22-percent reduction in the first two years of the seat-belt law.

In North Carolina, the rate dropped 37.9 percent.

Sid Gaulden, spokesman for the S.C. Department of Public Safety, said that since this is the first year of tracking seat-belt citations, a comparison of figures isn't possible.

But in a statewide survey the safety department conducted in June, 72.5 percent of the drivers who responded said they are wearing seat belts.

Collins of the S.C. Highway Patrol said the law has brought a noticeable difference for patrolling troopers.

"It's easy to ride down U.S. 278 and see the people wearing seat belts," he said. "I think it's catching on and you'll see it continue to improve."

The seat-belt law initially met opposition from some who said it was a violation of individual rights. They also contended seat belts can contribute to deaths in some instances.

But Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner said such instances are rare. He expects to see more drivers using the safety device.

Why?

Deputies can stop drivers for not wearing the belts. Once they've stopped a driver, deputies can then look for other offenses.

"One violation can lead to another," the sheriff said. "I see more people wearing seat belts than ever before."

Contact Ben Crites at 706-8138 or .