Even though driving without your seatbelt is a primary police pullover offense, many drivers are still not buckling up. In Central Florida, police have found that minorities use their seatbelt the least of all types of drivers. As a result, a Florida Minority Occupant Protection Task Force was formed and is holding outreach events in the community to get people to use their seatbelt.

The task force will also do observational studies on roadways in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to focus on the problem. "Black and Hispanic drivers and occupants are dying at disproportionate rates because they are not using their seat belts," said Reggie Bell of the Titusville Fire Department and a task force member. "We have parents and grandparents getting in cars and not restraining children, and they are dying."

A staggering 55 percent of people in fatal car crashes did not use a seatbelt, reports the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety. And deaths and injuries that happen due to lack of seatbelts cost close to $26 billion in medical care every year, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The task force wants to reinforce that seatbelts are a lifesaver and parents must do everything they can to protect their children.

Seatbelts are a vital safety measure to protect you from the numerous fender benders and accidents that happen on the road every day. They can also help keep auto insurance costs down too. Seatbelts, car alarms, anti-lock brakes and other safety features can equal lower insurance premiums. And little to no accidents also equals more reasonable auto insurance premiums.

Drivers who violate seatbelt laws are entered into Florida databases and insurance companies do see the infractions. As driver performance worsens and tickets increase, a driver will start to feel the pain of higher auto insurance. The Florida Minority Occupant Protection Task Force plans to reach out to the community at schools, churches, and other centers to remind people how to properly use seatbelts. Seatbelts should never be across the stomach. The belt should be low and snug against the pelvis and the shoulder belt should rest across the chest and collarbone. Children less than 12 years old should be buckled into the appropriate car seat in the back passenger area and newborns should be in rear-facing car seats there too.

The Florida Insurance Group is based in Central Florida and knows how safety features can greatly affect your Orlando auto insurance costs and family’s livelihood. Over the phone or online they help individuals and families get the best possible auto insurance rates from many of the best auto insurance providers in business today.

For more information:

1-888-525-2210

www.floridainsurance.com