Saved By the Belt

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people of every age from 2 through 33 years old.  Currently, approximately 87% of drivers and passengers on Missouri's roadways buckle up. Unfortunately, the other 13% account for about two-thirds of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes.  Unfortunately, 6 out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are not wearing their safety belts. Safety belts are considered one of the most important safety devices in a vehicle and using them correctly and on every trip is the most effective way to reduce injuries and death in a crash.  

If all drivers and passengers on Missouri's roadways buckled up, an estimated 235 lives would be saved every year. 

MoDOT introduced the Saved by the Belt program to raise awareness about the importance of everyone buckling up, every trip, every time and celebrates those individuals who were involved in a car crash and were “Saved by the Belt.”  It’s an honor that no driver/rider wants, but those who are recognized receive a certificate of recognition, a “Saved By The Belt” sunshade, and a highway emergency kit courtesy of the MoDOT Highway Safety & Traffic Division.

Missouri has more than 136,000 registered motorcycles, 365,000 endorsed riders, and 15,000 motorcycle permits issued per year. Missouri has averaged 150 motorcycle fatalities and nearly 2,200 injury crashes per year since 2020.

Wearing proper riding gear and taking a rider education class are two ways motorcyclists can increase their chances of surviving a crash. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to wear a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet, and to always ride sober.

MoDOT introduced the Saved by the Helmet program as a way to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of helmets. Through this initiative, we identify and acknowledge riders who survive a crash while wearing protective gear. It’s an honor that no rider wants, but those who are recognized receive a certificate of recognition and a new replacement helmet courtesy of the MoDOT Highway Safety & Traffic Division.

Candidates for Missouri’s “Saved by the Belt” or “Saved by the Helmet” program can be nominated by someone with first-hand knowledge of the crash (ex. first responder, medical personnel, family member, etc.) Crashes will be verified through official state crash records, and eligible candidates must:

• Be nominated within a year of their crash.
• If nominating a driver, the driver must not be cited for serious offenses like driving under the influence or reckless operation.
• Must have used proper combination of safety devices available (i.e., lap and shoulder belt) or DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
• If nominating a driver, the driver must be a Missouri resident holding a valid driver license, permit, or motorcycle endorsement at the time of the crash.

The most important thing to remember is that regardless of the circumstances, a person is more likely to survive a crash while wearing a seat belt or motorcycle helmet.

Please use this form to nominate a driver or a passenger for consideration by MoDOT- Highway Safety & Traffic for “Saved by the Belt”, or a rider for consideration by the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program for “Saved by the Helmet” recognition.