TCHS wins Battle of the Belts

Taylor County High School was the winner of the 2nd Annual Taylor County Farm Bureau High School Battle of the Belts Challenge Cup. The award was presented at Friday night's cross-town basketball game.

The challenge began as an effort to encourage teen drivers to wear their seat belts each and every time they get in a car. At the beginning of school one day last week, a survey was conducted at each high school. During the survey, all vehicles arriving at the high schools were observed for seatbelt use.

Surveyors noted a drastic decrease in adult drivers wearing seat belts versus an increase in students wearing seat belts. This decrease included both parents and teachers arriving at the schools.

Recent studies show that only 53 percent of Taylor Countians are wearing their seatbelts. The state average is 72 percent, with the national average at 82 percent.

During Tuesday's survey, the combined percentage of seat belt use at both high schools was 85 percent, which is higher than the national average.

Arrive Alive Taylor County is a local coalition that was formed to heighten awareness of traffic safety to reduce injuries and prevent motor vehicle crashes in Taylor County.