By Tim Schmidt, Record Editor
Wright City senior Katherine Brunson understands the importance of wearing a seat belt. She was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by another car that slid unexpectedly on black ice and was unable to stop at an intersection. While no one was injured, the mishap was a lesson for Brunson. “It scared me plenty,” she said. All it took was one second for Brunson, who was wearing her seat belt, to be startled. “For me, it was how dangerous it could be for forgetting a simple thing like that,” she said. “It doesn’t take much to change your life. You can never think it can’t be you.” That message is starting to resonate with other Wright City students. Wright City High School was recognized last week for its achievements in the MoDOT “Battle of the Belt” statewide competition. The school had 91.7 percent of students and passengers who were buckled in during a safety check held as cars arrived at school in November. The percentage was the highest of 11 schools located in MoDOT’s Northeast District who participated in the seat belt challenge. At last Tuesday’s varsity basketball game, school officials were presented a bronze banner recognizing their high seat belt usage, a participation plaque and a $100 sponsor check from American Family Insurance agent Deanna Dothage. During the seat belt awareness campaign students received numerous pamphlets and other informational material about seat belt usage. Students also pledged to wear a seat belt at all times by signing their name onto a banner hanging in the hallway to serve as a visual reminder. Guidance counselor Abigail Jackson spearheaded the school’s effort in conjunction with the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) club members. This was the first year the school participated in the MoDOT program. “The awareness was huge,” Jackson said. “We had to get the students involved and make the problem known to them. We saw them change.” Shawn Brown, high school principal, also was complimentary of the program’s participation and proud to see the students rewarded. “It was exciting to see our kids take pride in this,” he said. “Mrs. Jackson did a good job of promoting it. We want to keep our kids safe.” According to nationwide statistics, seat belts save an average of 9,500 lives each year. Of the approximately 35,000 people who die in motor vehicle accidents each year about 50 percent, or 17,0000, could be saved if they were buckled in. Meanwhile, seat belt usage among 16- to 24-year-olds continues to be lower than any other age group. Senior Jessica Grelle is one student who always makes sure to be buckled up every time she’s in a car. She also requires all of her passengers to fasten their seat belt prior to driving away. “I learned people don’t like wearing seat belts and it’s an inconvenience,’ she said. “But it can really save lives. I always wear a seat belt. That is how I was raised.” Brunson, for one, was glad to see students buy into the initiative. “It’s a bigger problem than we realize,” she said. “People get in a hurry, but putting on a seat belt saves lives.” Derrick Forsythe Photo. BATTLE OF THE BELT — Wright City High School was recognized as one of the statewide winners of the Battle of the Belt Challenge during the varsity doubleheader on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Wright City students had a 91.7 percent overall seat belt usage, putting them in the bronze category. The school was awarded a $100 check for its achievement in the program, which is funded by American Family Insurance. Pictured are, from left, Jessica Grelle, student representative; Abby Jackson, high school counselor; Shawn Brown, high school principal; Ervin Fackler, MODOT Area Engineer; Doug Smith, high school assistant principal; Deana Dothage, American Family Insurance Agent; Melissa Brumagin, outreach coordinator; Taylor Brookshire, student representative.
Derrick Forsythe Photo.
