Automotive Occupant Restraints Council Supports Seat Belt Enforcement

    WASHINGTON, May 23 A nationwide law enforcement effort to
increase seat belt use has won the support of the Automotive Occupant
Restraints Council.

    More than 10,000 police agencies, coordinated by the Air bag and Seat Belt
Safety Campaign, are participating in the buckle up campaign and looking for
drunken driving and other traffic offenses from now through Memorial Day.

    George H. Kirchoff, president of the Automotive Occupant Restraints
Council (AORC), said, "Increasing seat belt use among all drivers and
passengers, including children and infants, is the most efficient method of
saving lives.  AORC and its member companies are pleased to endorse this
intensified enforcement crusade that is sweeping the nation."

    Kirchoff explained that the Council has been a financial and participating
member of the Air Bag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign since its inception.

    According to government data traffic crashes are the number one killer of
kids and are among the leading causes of death to teens and adults.  More than
32,000 drivers and passengers died in crashes in 1999.

    "Stronger state seat belt use laws, firmly but fairly enforced, will make
great strides in reducing the carnage on our nation's streets and highway,"
said Kirchoff.

    A report card issued by the National Safety Council gives California an
"A" in recognition of its 89 percent seat belt use, the highest in the
country, and the state's tough belt use law that is well enforced.  Nineteen
states received "D's" and "F's" for driver and passenger safety.