Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. 

Today’s tip is for all public safety members who travel in a motor vehicle as part of their workday. 

Operating emergency vehicles adds to the level of risk we’re exposed to. Wearing a seatbelt in these circumstances is just what? Simply common sense.  

So let me ask you a question: What does it mean to work in public safety? What’s your job all about? It means coming to the rescue after a vehicle crash. It means directing traffic around the crash scene to keep people safe. It means knocking down a structure fire or performing CPR. Guess what? It also means being a good role model; set the proper example. 

Most states and most public safety organizations require the use of safety restraints, a.k.a. seatbelts, for personnel who are driving departmental vehicles. Failure to use a safety restraint is risky and can also fuel a negative image of your organization. Guess what? It can also end up killing you! 

Properly worn seatbelts are designed to distribute impact across the stronger bones in the body like the shoulder, rib cage, and pelvis. Using a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of fatal injury substantially. I’ve read studies 45% – 60% reduction when you’re wear a seatbelt. In 2017, nearly half of those killed in crashes in America weren’t wearing a seatbelt.  

Here’s another interesting fact. People who don’t use seatbelts tend to be riskier drivers. Now we all know that risk is our business. Operating emergency vehicles adds to the level of risk we’re exposed to. Wearing a seatbelt in these circumstances is just what? Simply common sense.  

The public expects us to obey the law. Our agency expects us to obey our policies. Our family and friends expect us to come home safely. So, please, please, buckle up my friends! 

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.