ROADSIDE CHAT – ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE, SEATBELTS HOLD YOU
Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to show it for yourself and your passengers than by fastening your seat belt? If you think about it, your seat belt is the ultimate valentine in your vehicle: always there for you, constantly hugging you, protecting you when life tries to rough you up.
So, buckle up lovebirds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passengers in cars and by 60% in trucks and SUVs. Yet, despite this lifesaving benefit, nearly half of all crash fatalities involve unbuckled occupants.
In Iowa in 2024, there were 354 crash fatalities of which 43% involved unbelted drivers or passengers. While not every crash victim wearing a seat belt will survive their injuries, seatbelts are the best safety insurance you’ve got. So, whether you’re heading to a fancy dinner date or delivering last-minute roses and candy, here are some seat belt tips to keep in mind:
- Click it for cupid: Your seat belt works best when worn correctly. Shoulder strap across your chest, lap belt snug across your hips and…listen for the click.
- Hold your sweetheart: If you’re driving with a loved one, remind them to buckle up, too.
- Don’t let love make you reckless: Avoid distractions like cell phones, emotional discussions, and driving under the influence. No Valentine’s Day celebration is worth risking your life.
The best love stories are the ones that last—and buckling up helps ensure yours will stand the test of time.
In 2025 in Iowa, 26 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of seven since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 354 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf