A&C 7.24.2021 DONE

Motorists encouraged to buckle up

as seat belt use decreases to 92.6%

Compliance rate

is the lowest in

17 years

Michigan’s seat belt use

rate has decreased sharply,

dropping from 94.4% in 2019

to 92.6% in 2021, according

to results from a grant-fund-

ed direct observation study

conducted by Michigan State

University.

This is the state’s lowest

seat belt compliance rate

since 2004, and traffic safety

advocates are concerned.

“The seat belt use numbers

are moving in the wrong

direction, and it’s important

to turn things around as

quickly as possible,” said

Michael L. Prince, director of

the Michigan Office of

Highway Safety Planning

(OHSP). “Seat belts are the

cornerstone of any effective

traffic safety strategy. We

must continually remind

drivers and passengers of all

ages to buckle up, every trip,

every time.”

The survey results come

just a few weeks after the

Michigan State Police

Criminal Justice Information

Center confirmed that

Michigan traffic deaths peak-

ed above 1,000 for the first

time in three years. The 1,

fatalities in 2020 marked a

10% increase from 985 fatal-

ities in 2019 and the most

traffic fatalities in Michigan

since 1,084 deaths in 2007.

Preliminary statistics for

early 2021 show the pace of

fatalities accelerating.

To help address the situa-

tion, the OHSP is funding a

statewide campaign through

July 24 to enforce seat belt

and impaired-driving laws.

The OHSP also has a paid

advertising effort encourag-

ing rear seat belt use, includ-

ing a video titled “Backseat

Excuses.”

Michigan’s all-time belt

use record was 97.9% in

2009. Every one percent
      increase in seat belt use
      means an estimated 10 fewer
      traffic deaths and 100 fewer
      serious injuries.
      According to the National
      Highway Traffic Safety
      Administration (NHTSA),
      seat belt use in the United
      States during 2019 ranged
      from 70.7% in New
      Hampshire to 97.1% in
      Hawaii. The nationwide seat
      belt use rate was 90.7% in


2010. 
      

      Michigan’s 2021 direct
      observation survey also
      included driver use of elec-
      tronic devices, encompassing
      both talking with a handheld
      or hands-free device and/or
      typing. The rate has dropped
      to 6.4%, lower than the 7.5%
      in 2019.
      The NHTSA requires
      states to conduct annual seat
      belt observation surveys to
      determine belt usage. Last
      year’s study was canceled
      because of the COVID-
      pandemic.

      
      

Call Heather Russell today!

(269) 781-

FarmBureauInsurance.com

15151 C Dr. N., Marshall

When it comes to Home, the

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Weslee Carl Harris was

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5lbs 14oz 19”

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Renlee Lou Inman was

born on July 8, 2021 at 7:

p.m. to Kenton and Jennifer

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born on July 10, 2021 at 6:

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Beckett Marie Wyman was
born on July 12, 2021 at 8:
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8lbs 9oz 20”

Information and

photos provided by

Oaklawn Hospital

NEW ARRIVALS

at Oaklawn Hospital

Congratulations to the parents and

families of these newest citizens

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Michigan Avenue)

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Locally owned & operated

For Over 29 Years

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 26-30, 6:00-8:45 p.m.

For kids pre-K thru (coming out of) 6th grade

GO-KARTS GAMES FUN STORIES

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BIG V.B.S. FAIR KICK-OFF

This Sunday, July 25

6:30 p.m.

Maple Grove Bible Church

18511 L Drive South

Call (269) 781-4932 or 789-1848 for information

Thursday Trio

Spence and Company 20;

Just For Fun 13; Forever

Young 12; Reid & Anita 8.

Female High Games: A.

Vantrease 173; D. McConell

136; M. Green 109.

Female High Series: A.

Vantrease 486; D.

McConnell 344; M. Green

317.

Male High Games: A.

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Spencer 494; A. D’Water

439; N. D’Water 409; C.

Seburg 395; H. Willerick

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Family Fun Summer

Trisha & Talon 20; Maurer

17.5; Stonebury 17; Might

Mac 16; Kylee & Mom 15;

Kendall & Dad 14.5; Harbin

13; Zoey & Dad 13; Gillian

& Mia 2.

Girl High Games: S.

Smith 202; T. George 170; S.

Stone 168; M. Heath 128; R.

Kingsbury 120.

Girl High Series: S.

Smith 542; S. stone 480; T.

George 427; M. Heath 334;

R. Kingsbury 300.

Boy High Games: T.

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Boy High Series: T. Hartle

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