By Roger Straka Here in the country, we look out for one another. We wave at neighbors on dirt roads, stop to help when someone needs a jump-start, and pride ourselves on strong values and even stronger communities.
But there’s one simple act too many of us are still skipping, and it’s costing lives: We’re not buckling our seat belts.
Last year, it was estimated that 86% of Oklahomans wore their seat belt, far below the national average of 91%.
According to data from the summer 2024 Seat Belt Observation Study, Oklahoma counties with the lowest estimated seat belt usage included Comanche (77.2%), Lincoln (79.3%), Major (81%), McClain (82.5%) and Logan (82.6%). The overall statewide seat belt usage estimate last year was 86.4%, lower than the national average of 91.2%. In 2023, Oklahoma ranked 44th for seat belt usage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
That’s unacceptable when it comes to one of the easiest ways to stay safe behind the wheel.
And the numbers are even more concerning in rural areas, where seat belt use drops to just 77%. It’s not because we don’t care. It’s because for too long, buckling up hasn’t been part of the routine.
That’s why the “Never Skip the Click” campaign, launched by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, is focusing efforts where they’re needed most: in communities like ours.
We know the roads out here. They’re often long, familiar and quiet. But they’re also where many of Oklahoma’s fatal crashes happen. Too often, someone dies because they weren’t buckled in. In fact, more than half of all fatal crashes in the nation involve someone who wasn’t wearing a seat belt.
We can – and must – do better.
“Never Skip the Click” is a grassroots campaign to make seat belt use second nature in every community.
This isn’t about city folks telling us what to do. It’s about protecting our own. About making sure every person who leaves home for work, school or a quick trip to the corner store comes back safely. It’s about teaching our kids by example. It’s about choosing, every time, to buckle up — not because someone said to, but because it just makes sense.
Wearing a seat belt doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart. It makes you responsible. And it might just save your life or the life of someone you love.
So, next time you hop in the truck to check fences, head into town or take the kids to school, remember: Real strength is doing what’s right, even when nobody’s watching.
Never Skip the Click. It’s a small habit with a big impact. Let’s lead the change here in rural Oklahoma.
To learn more or get involved, visit www. DriveSafelyOklahoma. com.
Roger Straka is an Oklahoma Department of Transportation employee and Never Skip the Click campaign spokesperson.