by Pete K. Rahn, MoDOT Director

Our top priority for 2009 was to save lives on Missouri roads by strengthening the seat belt law to allow for primary enforcement. Unfortunately, HB 665 was stalled in a committee and never brought for debate or a vote.

I am deeply saddened and disheartened that Missouri lawmakers refused action on this life-saving legislation, despite the lives that could have been saved and the more than 3,000 Missourians who signed up as partners and supporters. It’s heartbreaking to think of the families that may lose loved ones this year in a traffic crash – needlessly. Or of those who will suffer debilitating injuries – needlessly. I have spoken out about the importance of this law since becoming MoDOT Director. Over the last four years, 360 lives could have been saved.

MoDOT will continue to actively advocate for allowing law enforcement officers to do their jobs – to enforce the seat belt law already in place. We want to see Missouri take its place with the 28 other states that have passed this law, including our neighbors –Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

I encourage you to make sure your loved ones buckle up, and I hope you’ll continue to spread the message of the importance of wearing a seat belt, and of a primary seat belt law in Missouri.