LEONARDTOWN - Law enforcement officers from both St. Mary's and Calvert Counties conducted a joint seat belt enforcement operation at the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge today, May 14, 2007.  This operation is part of the 2 month Maryland Chiefs' Challenge Campaign, conducted throughout the state in an effort to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roadways. Citations are the final means to reach the hard core non-users to buckle up.

Seat belt use in St. Mary's County reached 93% at the Federal Seat Belt Observation Survey site in 2006.  During 2006, the Maryland seat belt use rate reach its highest at 91.5%.  It is estimated that with every percent increase in seat belt use rate lives are saved.

Additionally, since 2000 St. Mary's County observed seat belt use rate rose from 87% to the current rate of 93%.  With costs savings estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Study Center the number of lives saved from this increased saved $9 million in fatalities and over $29 million in injuries.  This figure does not take into account the cost of increased insurance rates, property damage, loss of productivity and other associated costs.

From 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., 916 vehicles passed through the checkpoint on the northbound lane of Route 4 and 21 seat belt citations were issued, with a seat belt use rate measuring 98%.  During the checkpoint one citation was issued for driving on a revoked drivers' licensed.

The campaign continues through early June and, beginning next week with the campaign will coincide with the National Campaigns of Click It or Ticket, Buckle Up America and ABC (Always Buckle Children).  Businesses,
schools, faith based organizations and others are encouraged to become active in the campaign to save lives.  Post messages to remind others to buckle up on marquees, or place posters in your lobbies or elsewhere.

Anyone interested in helping with the campaign can contact the CTSP Coordinator Ms. Jackie Beckman at 301-475-4200 ext. 1850 or email jackie.beckman@co.saint-marys.md.us.