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For most people, putting on a seat belt shortly after sitting down in a vehicle simply is a habit -- and that's as it should be. But too many people still ignore the data that shows wearing a seat belt can save their lives. And they ignore that it is illegal not to buckle up.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol data released last month, there have been 2,847 people killed in Ohio since 2018 who were not wearing a seat belt.
"Properly buckling up every time you get into a motor vehicle reduces the risk of sustaining serious injuries or death in a crash," Col. Charles A. Jones, patrol superintendent, said.
OSHP data shows 72% of vehicle occupants aged 21 to 40 killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
It defies logic to refuse to do something so simple, so routine, that could prevent death. For those not bothered by that risk, OSHP reminds it has issued more than 475,000 seat-belt violations and child safety seat citations since 2018.
"There is no question that seat belts save lives, and I encourage everyone to make it a habit to always buckle up," Gov. Mike DeWine said.
Particularly at this time of year, when road conditions are changing and holiday celebrations may mean some other drivers are more of a risk, it is important to remember the state patrol's "Buckle up every trip, every time."
If it is not already your habit to do so, it is time to make that change.
"Wearing a safety belt remains the simplest thing you and your loved ones can do to stay safe when getting into a vehicle," Jones said.
Think of what it might cost you (and your loved ones) to go without it.