Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. In fact, teens have the highest fatality rate in motor vehicle crashes than any other age group. They have the lowest safety belt use rates of all drivers. This rate is even lower when there are multiple teens in the vehicle.
The Battle of the Belts program was initiated in an effort to change these statistics and increase safety belt use amongst teenagers. The goal of the campaign is for high school students to convince their peers to always wear their safety belts. Student organization like S.A.D.D. or student government associations were asked to create a unique campaign for their high school to encourage fellow students to wear their seat belts during every ride in a motor vehicle.
Award categories in each county include 1) highest seat belt use, 2) most improved seat belt use, 3) best school campaign, 4) best public service announcement, 5) best poster, and 6) best essay.
Pasco County
Anclote, Gulf, Hudson, River Ridge, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, and Zephyrhills
Pinellas County
Bayside, Boca Ciega, Palm Harbor University HS, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Tarpon Springs
Polk County
Auburndale, Lake Gibson, Lake Region, and Tenoroc
Counties represented by Battle of the Belts-participating schools.
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