Elk Grove Village Police Department Saved by the Belt Program

The Elk Grove Village Police Department recently joined the Saved by the Belt Award Program. The Illinois Department of Transportation started the Saved by the Belt Award in order increase awareness of the lifesaving value of seat belts and car seats. The purpose of the Saved by the Belt Award is to reinforce the importance of buckling up by publicly recognizing individuals who were not injured, less injured and survived traffic crashes because they were properly belted or restrained in a car seat.

Due to this newly instituted program, officers will be looking for these real life situations where the use of a seatbelt lessened injuries or even saved a life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling your seat belt in the front seat of a car can reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 45 percent and reduce the risk of a moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

So far 23 people have received a Saved by the Belt Award, signed by the Village Police Chief Charles Walsh. The Elk Grove Village Police Department will continue to award motorists and occupants for their safe choices on a case by case basis in the future.