NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: CHRISTINE MARGALIS (440) 350-2879
May 18, 2011 LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
LAKE COUNTY SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION AND MCDONALD’S
ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP YOU SAFE
On Tuesday May 24, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition will be conducting “Buckle Downs” at eight area McDonald’s locations owned by Mandovi Enterprises or J & M Powers, Inc. Participating locations include: 7575 Auburn Road in Concord; 36141 Lakeshore Boulevard in Eastlake; 7700 Reynolds Road in Mentor; 8775 Mentor Avenue in Mentor; 8380 Broadmoor Road in Mentor; 559 River Street in Madison; 6083 Andrews Road in Mentor-on-the-Lake and 5745 Heisley Road in Mentor.
The McDonald’s Buckle Downs coincide with the national seatbelt enforcement campaign Click It or Ticket, which takes place May 23, 2011 through June 5, 2011. Nationally, the seat belt usage rate is near 85%, with Ohio at 77%. According to the recent observational studies, Lake County lags further behind with a 74% seatbelt usage rate.
The Lake County Safe Communities Coalition received a grant award from Ronald McDonald House Charities to purchase key chains with a “Buckle Up” message. They will be distributed to those customers wearing their seatbelts at the selected McDonald’s restaurants. Those not wearing their seatbelts will receive a card with a penny stating “Here is a penny for luck. If you don’t wear your seat belt, you’ll need it.”
The Coalition’s goal is simple: to increase seat belt usage and save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts saved 12,713 lives in 2009. Research has found that lap/shoulder belts, when used correctly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45%, and by 60% for pickup truck, SUV and van occupants. Motorists are 75% less likely to be killed in a rollover crash if they are buckled up. The benefits of wearing a seatbelt are difficult to ignore.
This is the eighth year the Safe Communities Coalition has partnered with McDonald’s restaurants in this campaign. For more information, please contact Christine Margalis at 440-350-2879.
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