CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Traffic Safety Board is backing a contest to educate school aged children about the importance of buckling up.

As part of its “Seatbelts Save Lives Campaign,” the Traffic Safety Board is sponsoring a poster contest for school children who attend schools in Chenango County. The objective is to create a poster which illustrates the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding, including the possible injuries and other consequences that could result by not taking the time to buckle up.

Seatbelt use is a trending concern among police agencies thorughout the county. Hopes are to curb that concern by reaching riders and future drivers at a young age, explained Traffic Safety Board Chairman Randy Gibbon.

“At a recent Chenango County Traffic and Safety meeting, we were discussing what law enforcement is seeing on the roadways,” said Gibbon. “The issue of non-compliance with seat belt laws was brought up. In addition to law enforcement’s concerns, Richard Mirabito, who represents the insurance industry, stated accident claims are being filed that are related to drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.”

Winning entries in the poster contest will be used for public information and educational purposes in conjunction with the Seat Belts Save Lives Campaign. One winner from each of the three categories (grades K-4; grades 5-8; and grades 9-12) will also be awarded $100 and be recognized at the June meeting of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors.