A National Call to Action From the Rushmore State: Making Seatbelt Use a Lifelong Habit

Recent news from South Dakota has brought a heartbreaking issue into focus. Over a single weekend, two separate car crashes claimed the lives of two men, ages 41 and 49. Neither was wearing a seatbelt—a simple precaution that could have saved their lives.

This tragic trend isn't just limited to adults. South Dakota’s teens face alarming risks on the road. The state has one of the highest teen motor vehicle fatality rates in the nation, with 17 fatalities and a rate of 36.8 per 100,000 teens. South Dakota ranks 46th in teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens and 45th in teen DUIs per 100,000 teens. 

As a driver’s education instructor and the Community Engagement Specialist for SD SADD,  I stress the importance of seatbelt usage in every lesson. However, it often feels like these lessons are forgotten once students pass their exams. Caring adults, your influence is critical. By modeling consistent seatbelt use, you send a powerful message to your children about responsibility and safety.

Lack of seatbelts isn’t just a South Dakota issue—it’s a national issue. The United States has made great strides in improving seatbelt use, with a national average of 91.9% in 2023. But we can and must do better, especially in states like South Dakota, where seat belt usage rates and risks are lower.

The data tells a troubling story, but it’s also a national call to action: we must make seatbelt use a lifelong habit, starting with our youngest drivers.

To young drivers, I urge you to wear your seatbelt whenever you’re in a car. Buckling up isn’t just about following the law—it’s about valuing your life and the lives of your passengers. And don’t stop there; encourage your friends and family members to do the same.

Let’s work together – teens, parents, educators, and communities – to ensure that seatbelt use becomes second nature for everyone. It takes just two seconds to buckle a seatbelt, but those two seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Together, we can make our roads safer, reduce preventable fatalities, and save lives.

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For more information about seatbelt safety and you can help make our roads safer for all, visit the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. and sadd.org/programs!