February is American Heart Month

The first American Heart Month was declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. It was created to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease.  Since 2004, February also has been the month for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign to raise awareness of this number one killer of women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

While the entire month is dedicated as American Heart Month, the day of February 5th is National Wear Red Day.  By wearing red on February 5th you are helping raise women’s awareness and support education on cardiovascular health.

Why should you Go Red? Heart disease is the number one killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.  Every 80 seconds, one woman is killed by heart disease and stroke.  That’s 1 in 3 deaths among women each year.  80% of these deaths can be prevented with education and action.  These statistics can be shocking, but building awareness is one of the best ways to fight this horrible disease.

Cardiovascular disease is also the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.3 million deaths per year, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

While heart disease kills around 630,000 Americans each year, about 750,000 people in the U.S. have heart attacks each year.  Of those, about 116,000 die.  About 550,000 people in the U.S. have a first-time heart attack each year, and about 200,000 have recurrent heart attacks.

The American Heart Association gauges the cardiovascular health of the nation by tracking seven key health factors and behaviors that increase risks for heart disease and stroke.  Called “Life’s Simple 7,” they are: not smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, body weight, and control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.  You don’t have to wait until February to get a jump on Life’s Simple 7:

• Get active
• Control cholesterol
• Eat better
• Manage blood pressure
• Lose weight
• Reduce blood sugar
• Stop smoking

Do a My Life Check® through the the American Heart Association website at http://bit.ly/2hkfLiW

The Best Defense May Actually Be Avoidance

As most of you know, safety is very important to us here at Evergreen Safety Council.  For the most part we do focus on workplace safety, but there are other areas of safety that we all need to be aware of, such as our personal safety. January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. The BEST Self Defense is Awareness and Avoidance.

The crime reports from 2015, compiled by the FBI, reveal that while there was a 2.6 percent decrease in the number of property crimes, there was a 3.9 percent increase in the number of violent crimes from the previous year.

According to the report, there were an estimated 1,197,704 violent crimes committed around the nation in 2015. 

• The estimated number of murders in the nation was 15,696.
• There were an estimated 327,374 robberies nationwide.
• During the year, there were an estimated 90,185 rapes.
• Property crimes resulted in losses estimated at $14.3 billion.

Now that we have your attention here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of a crime. A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who commit crimes.

At Home

• Always leave your headlights on when arriving home after dark until doors are unlocked.
• Have the door key ready so you can open the door immediately.
• Know who is at your door before opening it. (Consider a wide angle door viewer)
• Never let anyone into your home without proper identification and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
• Always leave outside lights on after dark, or use motion lights.
• In an apartment building, NEVER be alone in the laundry room.
• If you suspect anyone is in your house, do not go in, call the police.
• If you see or hear anything suspicious, call the police.

While You Are Out

• Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid “automatic pilot” and be alert for suspicious persons.
• Stick to well-lit areas.
• Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages, and alleyways.
• Try NOT to go out alone at night. If meeting someone arrange it so you do not have to wait alone.
• Carry minimal items. Don’t display large sums of cash and don’t carry any more cash than is necessary.
• Alone at work after business hours? Keep the door locked.
• Working late? Have someone walk you to your car.

In Your Automobile

• Have your keys in hand so you can open the car door without delay.
• Don’t park in dark or poorly lit areas.
• Never pickup hitchhikers.
• Never leave your keys in the car.
• Always check the back seat of your car before getting in.
• Always lock your doors while driving.
• Never allow another vehicle to follow you home.
• If you stop to aid others, do not get out of the car.  Ask what the problem is and call the police.

And above all always stay alert.  If something in your gut tells you to avoid an area or situation, avoid it.  If we stay alert we can stay safe and have a great New Year.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

The Outdoor Heat Exposure Rule

Working outdoors in hot weather can result in serious illness or even death.  Workers exposed to extreme heat may experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses (HRI), such as heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat stroke and other symptoms.

HRI ranges from relatively harmless conditions such as heat edema (swelling) and heat cramps to more serious illness such as heat syncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion. The most serious and often fatal form of HRI is heat stroke.

HRI is also linked to injuries from falls, equipment operation accidents, and other on-the-job incidents. Such incidents can happen when someone with heat stress becomes fatigued, dizzy, confused, or disoriented.

In Washington State employers must provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. The Outdoor heat exposure Rule WAC 296-62-095 applies from May 1 through September 30, every year, when exposures are at or above a specific temperature. In Washington DOSH looks at the temperature and the type of clothing the worker is wearing to determine if compliance with the rule has been put into effect.

If you have workers that are working in the outdoors you need to be aware of this situation to ensure your workers are safe. Evergreen Safety Council can help you provide the training and/or develop your heat illness prevention program.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Water Safety

According to the WA Department of health, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens ages 1 to 17 in our state. In 2013 there were 103 unintentional drowning deaths to Washington residents of all ages; 13 of these were of children younger than 18 years old. All of these are unintentional which means they are preventable. Know your surroundings and know how to swim.

Typically, hotels/motels do not provide lifeguards, so never leave children unattended. If you have a home pool or travel you should take a Water Safety education class from the Red cross so you know how to prevent drowning and what to do in case of an emergency. Anyone who does not know how to swim or is a weak swimmer should wear a US Coast Guard approved life-jacket, no matter how deep the water.

It only takes 1” of water to drown.

General Water Safety Guidelines:

• Learn to swim
• Take a water safety class, learn first aid and CPR
• If boating in the State of WA – you must have a Boater Education Card
• ALWAYS supervise children on, in or around water
• Do not drink alcohol while swimming or boating
• Do not attempt a rescue unless you have specialized training and/or equipment
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential water hazards
• Pay attention to the weather and tide tables
• Know the temperature of the water to prevent hypothermia

Most boating accidents are caused by the operator, not by the boat or the water environment. Approximately 80% of boating fatalities in the US are due to drowning and most would have been prevented if the boater had been wearing a US Coast Guard approved life-jacket. Because of this, Washington State implemented a new law in 2008 requiring anyone ‘operating a powered watercraft of 15hp or greater to take a safety education course and obtain a Boater Education Card to operate a boat in Washington’. For more information on this program you can go to www.boat-ed.com.  Before going on vacation or going to a local lake for a picnic, make sure everyone knows how to be safe in/near the water and pass the information on to other family and friends. Let’s prevent drowning everywhere.

Contributed by Stephanie Dyck, Office Supervisor, Evergreen Safety Council

Distracted Walking

I have learned after all the years I have been in safety, I have not seen everything.  This latest safety issue was brought up at the Governor’s Safety Conference (although it’s been around for a while) - “distracted walking”.  You heard correctly.  There are many people using their cell phones and other devices and not paying attention to where they are walking.  In fact, several times over the last couple of years I have been walked into by someone using their device, not paying attention to where they are going, and then they give me a dirty look.

According to Liberty Mutual Insurance, data has revealed that 60 percent of pedestrians do other things while they’re walking like texting, emailing, talking on the phone, or listening to music. And even though 70 percent consider those behaviors to be dangerous while walking in a crosswalk—it doesn’t stop them.

An article in HRM partners states that “...According to recent studies, ‘distracted walking’ is a growing safety concern. According to an article this past summer by the Associated Press, reports of distracted walkers treated at emergency rooms has more than quadrupled in the past seven years.”

The bottom line is that we all need to pay attention to where we are walking, riding, etc., especially while at work.  Another issue is that if employers allow employees to use these devices in this manner, what is their L&I liability for employees injured on the job while using them?

Just think, we humans will always be figuring out new ways to hurt ourselves in the future so we in safety will never rest.

If you need help regarding a safety issue give us a call at Evergreen Safety Council, we can help.

Contributed by By Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Injury Prevention

Most of us know that the major focus of workplace safety is injury prevention. In order to accomplish this, the first thing any business needs to do is a hazard assessment. Actually that is what safety is about—finding hazards and fixing them. Since most of you reading this understand the basics of finding hazards, we want to focus on some basic practices to prevent workplace incidents.

As you search for hazards understand that even though you as the employer have a duty to protect employees, each worker also has a responsibility to stay safe.  Make sure your employees are following the practices below:

Be safe in transit. Make sure your employees are driving safely and are operating safe vehicles.

Avoid taking short cuts. It is natural to want to get done on time, but do not short cut safety when it comes to on the job.

Know the weather. Dress and be prepared for cold weather and hot weather.

Make sure to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and know how to use them.

Injury reduction is a team effort!  Help your company accomplish this and please feel free to contact us at Evergreen Safety Council. We would be honored to be part of your safety team.

By Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient. That’s not news to anyone who’s ridden one.  But neither is the fact that they’re also more dangerous than a car.  Here are some sobering national statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2013:

42% of all motorcycle deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes;

In 40% of motorcycle single-vehicle fatality crashes the motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%;

48% of motorcycle fatalities involved speeding;

75% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with no mandatory helmet law; 56% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with a partial law (ie..under 18); 6% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with a universal helmet law (like Washington).

Still, many enthusiasts enjoy a lifetime of riding with out injury.  The key to optimizing your odds is to be prepared and to avoid risks.  Below are some tips to help you stay safe on two wheels.

Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. When shopping for a bike, start with one that fits you. Choose a model that’s easy for you to get on and off the center stand; if it feels too heavy, it probably is.

Invest in antilock brakes. Antilock brakes are a proven lifesaver. IIHS data shows that motorcycles equipped with ABS brakes were 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without it.

Hone your skills. ESC would not be doing our job if we did not stress the importance of finding and taking a riding course in your area. That is absolutely critical. These courses can teach you the basics, as well as advanced techniques such as how to perform evasive emergency maneuvers.  These courses may make you eligible for an insurance discount and they may also save your life.

Use your head. Yes, helmets are an emotional topic for some riders – there are groups that try every year to remove Washington’s universal helmet law. Don’t listen to them.  The facts show the risk.  When Texas and Arkansas repealed their helmet laws, they saw a 31% and 21% increase in motorcycle fatalities, respectively. Helmets save lives!  In our opinion, a full-face helmet that’s approved by the Department of Transportation is the best choice. (Look for a DOT certification sticker on the helmet.)

Wear the right gear. Instead of light clothing, you want gear that will protect you from wind chill, flying bugs and debris, and, yes, road rash if you should slide out. You’ll also want effective eye protection; don’t rely on eyeglasses or a bike’s windscreen – use a helmet visor or goggles. Keep in mind that car drivers who have hit a motorcycle rider often say they just didn’t see them, so you may want to choose gear in bright colors.

Be defensive. You aren’t the only one on the road – and you have the least amount of protection. You need to be extra alert, especially in this age of epidemic phone use and texting behind the wheel.  Keep an eye out for cars making sudden movements.  Don’t tailgate – keep a safe following distance to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles in the road.

Eliminating these foreseeable risks is the first major step in dramatically reducing your risks.  The weather of late has been great for riding and learning and we wish you all a safe riding season. Be safe and enjoy! Check out courses at evergreenmotorcycletraining.org or feel free to contact me, Monty E. Lish, Motorcycle Program Manager, S/TEP Program Mananager, Evergreen Safety Council.

Contributed by Monty E. Lish, Motorcycle and S/TEP Program Mananager, Evergreen Safety Council

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Most of us have seen/read stories of former NFL foot ball players who have suffered multiple concussions causing various levels of depression and dementia, even leading to committing suicide.  How many of you have heard of a high school or college athlete who has suffered similar results and not just from football, but soccer, basketball, and other sports? How about people who suffered head injuries in a motor vehicle collision or at work?

What is a Concussion?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a concussion is the major type (75%) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening, but their effects can be serious. Those who survive a TBI/Concussion can face effects lasting a few days, or disabilities lasting the rest of their lives.

How Big is the Problem?

In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated
with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries, and contributed to approximately 50,000 deaths- about 138 every day in the US.

What are the Leading Causes?

• Falls – 40.5%
• Struck by/against-15.5%
• Motor vehicle collisions - 14.3%
• Assault -10.7%
• Unknown/Other -19%

What are the Symptoms of Concussions?

• Difficulty thinking clearly/concentrating/remembering new information
• Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Balance issues, Lack of Energy, Sensitive to Noise or Light
• Irritability, Sadness, Nervous, more Emotional
• Sleeping more or less than usual

Recovery

Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse.

• Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
• Avoid activities that are physically demanding or require a lot of concentration (like sustained computer use, video games).
• Ask your doctor when you can safely drive a car, ride a bike, or operate heavy equipment.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol and other drugs may slow your recovery and put you at risk of further injury.

Contributed by Tom Odegaard, President/Executive Director Evergreen Safety Council

Eye Safety

According to NIOSH each day about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 of these injuries result in one or more days of lost work. The majority of these injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye. Examples include metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips that are ejected by tools, windblown, or fall from above a worker. Some of these objects, such as nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and result in a permanent loss of vision. Large objects may also strike the eye/face, or a worker may run into an object causing blunt force trauma to the eyeball or eye socket. Chemical burns to one or both eyes from splashes of industrial chemicals or cleaning products are common. Thermal burns to the eye occur as well. Among welders, their assistants, and nearby workers, UV radiation burns (welder’s flash) routinely damage workers’ eyes and surrounding tissue.

In addition to common eye injuries, health care workers, laboratory staff, janitorial workers, animal handlers, and other workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular exposure. Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure (e.g., blood splashes, respiratory droplets generated during coughing or suctioning) or from
touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects. The infections may result in relatively minor conjunctivitis or reddening/soreness of the eye or in a life threatening disease such as HIV, B virus, or possibly even avian influenza.

Engineering controls should be used to reduce eye injuries and to protect against exposures. Personal protective eyewear, such as goggles, face shields, safety glasses, or full face respirators must also be used when an eye hazard exists. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends upon the nature and extent of the hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used, and personal vision needs. Eye protection should be fit to an individual or adjustable to provide appropriate coverage. It should be comfortable and allow for sufficient peripheral vision. Selection of protective eyewear appropriate for a given task should

be made based on a hazard assessment of each activity, including regulatory requirements when applicable.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training, Evergreen SafetyCouncil

Heat Illness

Summer time is coming and workers on both sides of the Cascades need to be aware of heat illness.  By now all employers should know about Washington’s Outdoor Heat Exposure rule found in WAC 296-62-095.

Working outdoors in hot weather can result in serious illness or even death.  Workers exposed to extreme heat may experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses (HRI), such as heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat stroke, and other symptoms.

According to DOSH heat-related illness is also linked to injuries from falls, equipment operation accidents, and other on-the-job incidents. Such incidents can happen when someone with heat stress becomes fatigued, dizzy, confused, or disoriented.

Since heat can lead to other issues and potential incidents, it is important that all of us working out-of-doors take care to avoid heat illness issues. The most important thing to do is to hydrate the night before and stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of proper fluids the night before and continue to drink fluids (i.e., water or sport drinks) throughout the day.  Remember that we not only need water, but electrolytes, which can be gained from drinking sport drinks in addition to water.

In addition to taking care of ourselves, we have to look out for our co-workers whom may suffer the effects of heat illness.  The following are from the OSHA fact sheet on heat illness.

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem. Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 104°F).This is a medical emergency that may result in death! The signs of heat stroke are confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. Workers experiencing heat stroke have a very high body temperature and may stop sweating. If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, get medical help immediately, and call 911. Until medical help arrives, move the worker to a shady, cool area and remove as much clothing as possible. Wet the worker with cool water and circulate the air to speed cooling. Place cold wet cloths, wet towels or ice all over the body or soak the worker’s clothing with cold water. 

Heat Exhaustion is the next most serious heat-related health problem. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than 100.4°F. Workers with heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot area and given liquids to drink. Remove unnecessary clothing including shoes and socks. Cool the worker with cold compresses to the head, neck, and face or have the worker wash his or her head, face and neck with cold water. Encourage frequent sips of cool water. Workers with signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion should be taken to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. Make sure that someone stays with the worker until help arrives. If symptoms worsen, call 911 and get help immediately. 

Heat Cramps are muscle pains usually caused by physical labor in a hot work environment. Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Workers with heat cramps should replace fluid loss by drinking water and/or carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training, Evergreen Safety Council

Using an AED is SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE

It’s shockingly simple to save a life. The Emergency Services Division of Public Health – Seattle & King County launched the Shockingly Simple Campaign to increase adoption and registration of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Seattle and King County. Every year more than 300,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – a condition in which the heart unexpectedly stops beating. It can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time, even to those with optimal heart health. And when it occurs – seconds count. 

AEDs are designed to diagnose this life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm caused by SCA and will determine the need to deliver a shock that will restore the heart’s normal rhythm before emergency teams arrive. In many cases, AED use is a victim’s only chance of survival. In fact, studies have shown a 70-80% chance of survival if an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used within minutes on an SCA victim.

AEDs are very simple to use and each device provides step-by-step audio instruction to walk you through the process.

 “It’s shockingly simple to restart a heart with an AED,” said David Fleming, PhD. and executive director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We launched this campaign with the support of business and community leaders to encourage professionals to purchase and register AEDs, which have the potential to save lives within their organizations and communities.”

ESC often hears about how an AED has saved a life within our service area.  Unfortunately, there are also cases where people lose a family member or friend because an AED was not available.  This is why we have joined the Shockingly Simple campaign and registered our AED with Public Health - Seattle & King County to ensure 9-1-1 operators know its location and can direct people to it in case of an emergency. We will also alert our neighbors, since we believe having an AED is not only good business practice for us, but also helps our local community.

If you have an AED, we encourage you to register it.  If your organization does not have an AED, we encourage you to purchase one.  If you need training we can help with that too.  

The life it saves may be yours!

Background on Seat Belts in Washington

Looking Back

2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Washington’s seat belt law changing from a secondary law to a primary law. That change allowed law enforcement to issue a seat belt ticket when there was no other citable traffic infraction. Also that year, Washington adopted the Click It or Ticket project that was being used in other states. In one year the use rate jumped 10 percentage points. (WTSC)

In Washington during the past ten years, 1,010 lives have been saved by drivers and passengers using seat belts. This estimate is based on an assumption that the 2001 vehicle-occupant death rate of 0.95 per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled remained constant through 2011. (WTSC)

In the past ten years, traffic deaths on Washington roadways are down 29 percent and serious injuries are down 28 percent, while vehicle-miles traveled increased 6.6 percent over this same period. (FARS, WSDOT)

Year	Number of Traffic Deaths	Number of Vehicle Occupant Deaths
1999	637	526
2000	631	511
2001	649	509
2002	658	513
2003	600	449
2004	567	419
2005	649	476
2006	633	470
2007	571	415
2008	521	361
2009	492	348
2010	460	315
2011	*455	*304

 *Preliminary & expected to change

Timeline Notes (WTSC, NHTSA)

1986

Many states begin conducting and reporting observational seat belt surveys. By the end of 1986, 22 states had passed a seat belt law, including Washington, which passed a secondary law. That is, law enforcement officers could issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt only when there was another citable traffic infraction. In one year, the use rate increased from 36 percent to 52 percent.

1995

Seat belt use reaches 80 percent.

2002

• Washington conducted its first Click It or Ticket campaign, following in the footsteps of several other states.
• Separately, the Washington Legislature passed a bill changing the seat belt law from a secondary law to a primary law. The use rate jumped 10 points from 82.6 to 92.6.
• Washington has the highest seat belt use rate in the nation. This achievement is repeated in 2003 and 2006.

2007                                                                                           

The Click It or Ticket campaigns moved to nighttime hours as a test project for the country because the national traffic death rate at night is four times higher.

2011                                                                                           

From 2002 through 2011 the seat belt use rate increased to 97.5 percent. For the past ten years, Washington consistently has had one of the highest seat belt rates in the nation.

Seat belt tickets issued in the past 10 years

2001 - 8,504

2002 - 15,579

2003 - 15,978

2004 - 19,941

2005 - 24,179

2006 - 18,618

2007 - 24,340

2008 - 35,125

2009 - 78,495

2010 - 72,268

2011 - 68,633

Total - 381,660

In 2002 the cost of a seat belt ticket was $86. In 2012 a seat belt ticket cost $124. (AOC)

General Seat Belt Information

The medical costs of an unbuckled motorist average $11,000 more per collision than those who buckle up (HIPRC).

When motorists are unbuckled, often they are ejected partially or completely from vehicles. By wearing seat belts, they reduce their risk of being ejected by 81% (HIPRC).

When used correctly, lap and shoulder belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent and the risk of head injury by 80 percent. (HIPRC)

Currently, the nighttime death rate in Washington is about three times (2.8) higher than the daytime rate. (FARS, WSDOT)

Compared to people who drive during the day with seat belts on, nighttime unbuckled drivers are: (WTSC)

• Three times more likely to have felony records.
• Twice as likely to have criminal records for offenses involving violence.
• Three times more likely to have a DUI on their records.
• More than twice as likely to have a negligent or reckless driving violation on their driving records.

The seat belt law is a primary-enforcement law in Washington, so an officer can pull over a vehicle if a driver — or passenger — is not buckled up. If the unbuckled passenger is under age 16, the driver gets the ticket; if unbuckled passengers are age 16 or older, they get their own seat belt tickets. (RCW 46.61.688)

Source Key

FARS - Fatality Analysis Reporting System

WTSC - Washington Traffic Safety Commission

WSDOT - Washington State Department of Transportation

RCW - Revised Codes of Washington

HIPRC - Harborview Injury Prevention Research Center

AOC - Administrative Office of the Courts (Washington’s)

Source: King County Traffic Safety Task Force