May 25, 2000 - S.A.F.E.: Seatbelts Are For Everyone.

---

This simple message was placed on stickers by the Durfee High School student government members and distributed before school and at basketball games during the month of February.

In order to promote seatbelts in their school, the students also made TV and Radio announcements, passed out fliers and pamphlets, sponsored a poster contest and even named Feb. 17 an annual Safe Day at Durfee. In return, the New England Police Chiefs picked the school to be the winner of a contest among high schools in the region to create a program emphasizing the importance of buckling up.

According to the data gathered by the students, 90 percent of high-schoolers think seat belts save lives, but 65 percent don't wear them. Seventy percent said they felt uncomfortable wearing seat belts around their friends, and 80 percent knew someone who was killed or seriously injured in an accident when they weren't wearing a seat belt. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said enforcement was more effective than education.

These survey results are in line with what public-safety officials have found statewide. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among youth in Massachusetts, where only one out of two youths wear seat belts.

In all automobile accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call now at or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Joseph J. Bernardo, P.A. handles all types of Personal Injury cases including: Automobile Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Nursing Home Abuse, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Driving Injuries, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents.