For Immediate Release
 
Contact:  Christy Stefadouros 202-225-5755

Bilirakis Stresses that Seatbelts Can Save Lives

Washington D.C., May 10, 2006 - Congressman Mike Bilirakis (R-FL) yesterday held a special order on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Katlyn Marie Marchetti, a local teenager who died as a result of a tragic car accident in March, and to stress the importance of wearing seatbelts.

The following is Congressman Bilirakis’ floor statement:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a young woman whose life tragically was cut short by her decision not to wear a seatbelt.

Katlyn Marie Marchetti, known as Katie to her family and friends, was a vibrant, loving, community-oriented high school junior who dreamed of a career in fashion or interior design. She encouraged other young women through her participation in the Ophelia Project, a non-profit group dedicated to encouraging middle and high school girls to believe that an individual’s true beauty is found within.

As a junior at Durant High School in Valrico, Florida, Katie planned to take the SATs in April and spend her summer examining colleges. Her commitment to academic achievement and hard work guaranteed that she would succeed in whatever field she chose. Katie’s entire future was ahead of her, and what a bright one it would have been.

But it was not to be. On March 3, 2006, Katie was involved in a car accident that ended up claiming her life early the following morning. To the devastation of her loving parents, Vincent and Laura, and her younger brother Andrew, she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt. Had she "buckled up," March 4th may have been one day closer to realizing her dreams. Instead, it was the day when they were ended.

Unfortunately, Katie’s decision to forego wearing a seatbelt is not uncommon. Among the entire population, teenagers are the most likely to neglect this important life-saving measure. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2002 indicated that only 69 percent of 16- to 24-year-olds use safety belts, compared to 82 percent of children and 76 percent of adults. Among 16-to19-year-olds, the statistics are more troubling: only 40 percent use seatbelts consistently. And the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that 63 percent of teens killed in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

Data also reveals insights into why teens neglect to fasten up when they get in a vehicle. According to the 2003 Motor Vehicle Occupant Safety Survey, 79% of teen drivers reported that they wear a seat belt "all the time," compared with 84% of older drivers. About one-half (47%) of 16 to 20-year-olds indicated that safety belts "were as likely to harm as to help," and 30 percent said that crashes close to home were usually "not as serious." Approximately 30% affirmed that they would feel "self-conscious if they were going against the group norm in wearing safety belts."

Mr. Speaker, these statistics are troubling. Seatbelt use has proven effective time and time again in saving lives. According to NHTSA, the wearing of safety belts saved an estimated 14,164 lives in 2002. Choosing to buckle up is the best protection against drunk, tired, or aggressive drivers. And yet, people choose not to take this precaution. What can be done to encourage them to do so?

Studies have shown that highly publicized and visible increased enforcement of safety belt laws have increased seatbelt use. Peer-led education and awareness also hold promise in changing youth norms and attitudes about seatbelt use. Parental involvement is absolutely critical – children who observe their parents using seatbelts and obeying traffic laws are more likely to adopt these life-saving habits.

Vincent and Laura Marchetti imparted this wisdom to their daughter and even prevented her from getting her license until she was six months beyond her 16th birthday. They instilled a sense of responsibility in her and practiced driving under all sorts of conditions. But it wasn’t enough.

Technological advances are proving to be one of the most promising catalysts for increased seatbelt use. A study commissioned by NHTSA found that while enhanced safety belt reminders such as buzzers, lights, and dashboard messages are aimed at the general population, they may be particularly effective for teenagers. Because teens tend to "forget" to fasten their seatbelts and are less likely than adults to disengage warning systems, they may be more likely to be persuaded to buckle up by these "annoyances." I encourage the automobile industry to increase and expand the manufacture of vehicles with seatbelt warning systems that do not disengage until the seatbelt is fastened. These systems may save precious young lives.

Mr. Speaker, I did not know Katie Marchetti personally, but through my discussions with her parents and brother, who are in Washington this week, I know what a special young woman she was. I grieve with Vincent, Laura, Andrew and the rest of their family for their loss. I admire the strength and perseverance of the Marchettis to channel this grief into educating teenagers and their parents about the importance of seatbelt use through the Katie Marchetti Memorial Foundation. I rise today to join their call and to plead with all Americans to "cross it, click it, and live."

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