The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are an estimated 2.3 million people injured in car accidents. One of the best ways to prevent these injuries is to wear a seat belt considering these safety devices have been found to reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by as much as 50 percent.

Despite these findings, many motorists choose to refrain from buckling up. To help change the attitudes of western New Yorkers about wearing seat belts to help reduce New York car accident injuries, William Mattar Law Offices is holding a seat belt pledge drive.

Our firm’s “Buckle Your Belt” program asks that motorists simply sign up to agree to wear their seat belt every time they get into a vehicle. Each participant will then have their name entered into a drawing for a free trip for four to the Fern Resort in Ontario, Canada. The winner of the trip will be announced on Wednesday, May 28.

At William Mattar Law Offices, we know that wearing a seat belt is a habit for many people. For those who frequently forget to buckle up, here are a few ways to remind yourself to do so:

1. Listen- Most cars signal the driver and passengers to buckle up when the key is put into the ignition.
2. Leave yourself a note- A written reminder on the dashboard or even a ribbon tied to the steering wheel works.
3. Repetition– Make a habit not to release the emergency brake of your vehicle until your seat belt is buckled and others in the vehicle do the same.
4. Make a game of buckling up- Whoever snaps in first wins. This can work especially well with kids.
5. Sign the “Buckle Your Belt” pledge- The chance to win a free trip can be a powerful reminder and motivator.