Police To Motorists: Seat Belts Save Lives

are stepping up seat belt enforcement this week, which the village has proclaimed “Buckle Up Buffalo Grove Week.”

The program, which corresponds with the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period, focuses on educating residents about the potential for seat belts, child safety seats, automatic belt systems and air bags to save lives.

Buffalo Grove Sgt. Scott Kristiansen illustrated those benefits last week when he shared with the Village Board the story of the Youkhanna family. The family of five was headed westbound on Deerfield Parkway in March when a southbound vehicle on Buffalo Grove Road skidded into their path, hitting their car. All five were wearing their seat belts, and none were injured.

“This family is here today as an example of wearing your safety belts,” said Kristiansen, who presented “Saved by the Belt” certificates to each of the family members last week.

According to a proclamation from Village President Jeff Braiman, seat belt enforcement programs have increased adult seat belt use in Illinois to 92.6 percent, and in Buffalo Grove to 95.1 percent. He urged all citizens to always wear seat belts.