Director's Pen

 

In case you missed the news, two traffic safety advocates will now take their place in the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of American History! Who received this honor?

No, it was not Edward Claghorn. Mr. Claghorn was issued a patent for his idea, the seat belt in 1885.

 

No, it was not two engineers from Volvo. Volvo was the first automobile manufacturer to install safety belts in their vehicles.

 

No, it was not Dr. C. Hunter Shelden! Dr. Shelden invented the first retractable safety belt system. Bet the good doctor was a popular person with motorists.

 

No, not even Walter Linderer. Mr. Linderer, a German inventor, received a patent for an “inflatable cushion,” used to protect drivers in a crash.

 

Wrong, not Jean Ames either. Ames invented the first safety seat for children.

If you guessed Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies, you are correct! “We learned a lot from Vince and Larry on the importance of buckling up,” US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday in a release. “They are a part of American culture and became household names while educating the public on safety belt use. Their message still holds true today.”

 

Statistics have proven that increased belt usage results in fewer traffic deaths and serious injuries. In the sixth year in a row, traffic fatalities have dropped to the lowest level seen since the early 1920's. Last year Illinois had 911 people killed on its roadways, the first time Illinois saw fewer than 1,000 deaths since 1921. This is such an amazing feat.

 

We also learned this year that more people are buckling up, with 92.6 percent safety belt use in Illinois. Fatalities are running 40 to 45 fewer this year compared to the same period last year. Keep your fingers crossed, we all hope this trend continues.

 

So, what is my point? Isn't it funny that we have all learned so much from Vince and Larry, two dummies! What does this prove? I'm not really sure, but I do know that wearing your safety belt every trip, every time is the smart thing to do.

 

Be careful out there!

Michael R. Stout

Director

 

 

 

 

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