Owensboro Police Department Reporting Solid Progress on National Seat Belt Initiative 13 Months In

It's been 13 months since the Owensboro Police Department teamed up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to initiate a sustainable seat belt usage campaign.

It began with the OPD enlisting the help of local businesses and community organizations to help spread the word about seat belt usage.

The goal was to make Owensboro a seat belt community with 100% compliance.

This Thursday, there will be a press conference in the community room at the Owensboro Police Department beginning at 10:30AM.

At the presser, the OPD will be recognized by reps from the NHTSA and their partners.

Several community representatives will also be on hand to detail how they've helped make this campaign successful and sustainable.

Information about this national pilot program will be provided for attendees and statistics will show the change in seat belt usage in our community from the start of the program in October 2015 through right now.

I, for one, have NEVER needed convincing. I've worn a seat belt since the very first time I drove a vehicle when I was 16 years old.

And I'm glad I had it on this morning in Evansville since I had to slam on my brakes to avoid a skateboarder who darted out of an alley in front of me while I was downtown.

But that's a story for another day.

THIS story, about the progress of seat belt usage in our community, is a great one and we'll know all the details come Thursday.