Thursday, May 01, 2008
WV Receives Federal Grant For Seatbelt Useage
Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, the U.S. Department of Transportation deputy secretary, this morning presented a $5 million grant award to Gov. Joe Manchin and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program for the state’s “elite” seatbelt usage level.
West Virginia was one of only five states to achieve that high of a level of seat belt usage among its residents.
“We’re very proud of the number of West Virginians who’ve recognized how easy it is to buckle up to save lives,” Manchin said. “Through this grant, we will be better able to make our roads safer.”
To receive the funding, West Virginia met Federal U.S. DOT criteria, which required states to have at least 85 percent seat belt usage rate, confirmed through scientific surveys, for two years straight. In 2006, the usage rate was 88.5 percent, and in 2007 the usage rate was 89.5 percent.
“With better, more consistent use of seat belts, West Virginians are not only protecting themselves – they are setting a great example for the rest of the nation,” Barrett said. “With continued efforts to drive seat belt use even higher, West Virginia will continue to be wild, wonderful and safe.”
The 9:30 a.m. presentation, held outside on the capitol grounds, also featured state and local law enforcement officers, who displayed some of the electronic reporting equipment that will be purchased with this funding.
In addition to the electronic reporting equipment, the Section 406 money will be spent on driver behavior programs such as “Click It or Ticket,” and impaired driving prevention initiatives.
West Virginia was one of only five states to achieve that high of a level of seat belt usage among its residents.
“We’re very proud of the number of West Virginians who’ve recognized how easy it is to buckle up to save lives,” Manchin said. “Through this grant, we will be better able to make our roads safer.”
To receive the funding, West Virginia met Federal U.S. DOT criteria, which required states to have at least 85 percent seat belt usage rate, confirmed through scientific surveys, for two years straight. In 2006, the usage rate was 88.5 percent, and in 2007 the usage rate was 89.5 percent.
“With better, more consistent use of seat belts, West Virginians are not only protecting themselves – they are setting a great example for the rest of the nation,” Barrett said. “With continued efforts to drive seat belt use even higher, West Virginia will continue to be wild, wonderful and safe.”
The 9:30 a.m. presentation, held outside on the capitol grounds, also featured state and local law enforcement officers, who displayed some of the electronic reporting equipment that will be purchased with this funding.
In addition to the electronic reporting equipment, the Section 406 money will be spent on driver behavior programs such as “Click It or Ticket,” and impaired driving prevention initiatives.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 10:43 AM 
