FROM KDOT: Extra enforcement of state seatbelt laws planned this month across Kansas Two years ago Shelby Feugate was a 20-year-old who never wore her seat belt. “I thought they were uncomfortable and I just didn’t like them,” Feugate said. “I never thought I’d get into a crash.” Feugate spoke from a wheel chair Wednesday at a Kansas Department of Transportation news conference at the Shawnee Police Department. Feugate says she never wore a seat belt until after the crash that cost the use of her legs. In 2012, a car she was driving was struck by another vehicle on the passenger side. The other driver was wearing a seatbelt and walked away; Feugate suffered a spinal cord injury that made her a paraplegic. “I went to a rehabilitation center for two months to learn how to live life in a wheelchair,” Feugate said. “What I miss most about my life before is being spontaneous. Now I have to plan everything in advance, even just to go out.” In May, the Kansas Highway Patrol and sheriffs and police departments across Kansas will be working overtime to catch drivers who are not buckled up. “Given the choice between a crash death notification and writing a seat-belt ticket, any law officer would much prefer the latter,” said Shawnee Police Sgt. Jim Baker. “Making a death notification is one of the hardest parts of being an officer, especially when simply buckling up would have saved a life.” The extra enforcement is part of a larger, national Click It or Ticket mobilization that runs May 19 – June 1. “Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season, and we want everyone to arrive alive,” Baker said. “Just buckle up, or you will receive a ticket.” Kansas law allows that law enforcement officers can stop any vehicle simply for a seat-belt violation. No other violation needs be observed. Baker said enforcement will focus on younger motorists, pickup trucks and nighttime motorists. National statistics show crash fatalities in...
Posted on: Wed, 14 May 2014 15:39:38 +0000
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