Minnesotans are speaking up about clicking that seat belt in, and it is not just because extra seat belt patrols begin today in Minnesota. It can also save your life.

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Buckle Up! Drive Smart!

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Minnesotans know that it is important to buckle up. That is why many Minnesotans do it automatically every time they get into a vehicle.

The lives that are saved by seat belts nationwide would give a professional sports stadium - more than 69,000 people from 2015-2019 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many Minnesotans spoke up on why they wear their seat belt. Watch the video below from the Minnesota DPS.

Extra Seat Belt Patrols Strive to Save Lives as Unbelted Traffic Deaths Increase

Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are teaming up to put extra enforcement on Minnesota roadways starting today through June 6th to stop the growing loss of life as unbuckled deaths surpass 2020's year-to-date numbers. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Would you like the lecture or the eulogy?” said Office of Traffic Safety director Mike Hanson. “Sadly, the number of grieving families hearing the eulogies is way too high when you consider how these deaths can be so easily prevented. If you want to be there for your loved ones, stop with the weak excuses for not wearing a seat belt. Drive smart and buckle up.”

Andy Brownell/TSM Rochester/KROC NEWS
Andy Brownell/TSM Rochester/KROC NEWS
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Preliminary reports show 39 unbelted motorists died through May 23 compared with 27 this time last year, a 44 percent increase. This follows a deadly 2020 when 112 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads compared to 73 in 2019. The 112 unbelted motorist deaths in 2020 were also the highest since 2012 when there were 116.

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