CDOT to Announce New Beware of the Beltless Campaign

Campaign emphasizes that not buckling up puts others at risk.

DENVER—At 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 6, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will hold a press conference to launch the Beware of the Beltless seat belt safety campaign at Denver Health Medical Center.

The campaign addresses  the seat belt crisis in Colorado and takes a new approach to encourage seat belt use. At the event, CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt will speak alongside a trauma surgeon from Denver Health, as well as a father who lost a loved one in an unbuckled a crash.

CDOT representatives will also announce wide-ranging community partnerships with organizations across health care, transportation, law enforcement, military, community organizations and some of the state's largest employers.

  • What:
    CDOT Launches Beware of the Beltless Seat Belt Safety Campaign
     
  • When:
    9:30 a.m. Monday, June 6
     
  • Where: 
    Denver Health Medical Center—Pavilion C, 790 Delaware St., Denver, CO 80204
    (This area is accessed off the circle drive at the main entrance of the hospital.)
     
  • Why:
    Colorado's traffic fatalities increased more than 11 percent last year, and many of these deaths can be attributed to lack of seat belt use. In fact, the 15 percent of Coloradans who don't buckle up comprise more than half of the 2015 passenger vehicle traffic fatalities. TheBeware of the Beltless campaign shows that not buckling up doesn't only put you at risk, but also means you directly endanger those around you.
     
  • Interview Opportunities:
    • CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt
    • CDOT Safety Communications Manager Sam Cole
    • Dr. Fredric Pieracci, trauma surgeon
    • John Bowman—his granddaughter survived a crash in a car seat, but the girl's father died because he wasn't buckled up.