Room to Live
Department of Transportation releases seat belt video
Story of a Montana family promotes seat belt use
Each year as summer travel approaches, state and national campaigns tackle the issue of seat belt use. This year, the statewide Montana campaign “Room to Live” brings a new message that state officials hope will save lives by reducing occupant ejections in vehicle crashes. As part of the campaign, the Montana Department of Transportation funded the development of an 12-minute video, also titled Room to Live. The video focuses on a real life story, while showing the vehicle safety features that protect belted occupants.
“We hope folks will take the time to watch this video to see just how important seat belts are,” said Director of the Department of Transportation, Jim Lynch. “This video shows the impact of one death on four families…one death out of the hundreds we lose each year in Montana because they failed to buckle up.”
In 2007, 217 drivers and passengers died in crashes on Montana roads. More than 73 percent of them were not wearing their seat belt. The highest percentage of fatalities and incapacitating injuries occur in single vehicle rollovers where the person is ejected from the vehicle.
The Room to Live video was inspired by an in-depth news report by Fox News Investigators, a Minnesota affiliate (www.myfox9.com, Investigators). The Montana Department of Transportation has already received more than 3,000 requests for the video. The Montana Office of Public Instruction will receive 400 for driver’s education classes. DUI Task Forces and Safe Kids, Safe Communities coordinators around the state will also use the video for training and education. You can view the video at www.mdt.mt.gov. It is also available free of charge by calling Ronda Banik at Banik Communications, 406-454-3422 or e-mail ronda@banik.com.
“Show it to your family, teenagers, everyone you know,” said Lynch. “It’s time we all understand that the one action that will save lives and prevent disabling injuries is buckling your seat belt. Ask everyone in your vehicle to be buckled up at all times.”
See the 30 second broadcast version here: http://www.banik.com/mdt_room30/
This video is very sensitive to the family. Therefore, before you publish any of the files below please notify us for written permission. If you would like a DVD that can be reproduced, contact Ronda Banik at ronda@banik.com.
Return to Banik Communications home page
