Missouri high schools are invited to compete in the 2014 Battle of the Belt Challenge for an opportunity to win cash and prizes.
The contest, designed to educate young drivers about safety belt use, is sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. The competition runs from Oct. 1-Nov. 19. High schools can sign up for the competition at www.modot.org/Safety/BattleoftheBeltChallenge.htm before Sept. 26.
The program consists of two surprise seat belt checks at each high school, and schools have the opportunity to submit a 30-second video spot aimed at encouraging their peers to buckle up.
Statewide and regional prizes are awarded. Schools achieving Highest Overall Seat Belt Use and Most Improved Seat Belt Use regionally will receive $500 donated by American Family Insurance. Statewide recognition is awarded with a banner for seat belt use rates of gold, silver or bronze, donated by Missouri College of Emergency Physicians. The top three video spots will receive funding to further seat belt educational programs.
Teen drivers are involved in nearly 20 percent of the fatal and serious injury crashes during the last three years, and traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people 15-20 years old.