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State Police: No Seat Belts Worn in Accidents Claiming 5 Lives This Week
Illinois State Police District 7 Troopers say five roadside fatalities resulted this week in the area, all after were ejected from the vehicles after not wearing seatbelts.

It's a message Master Sergeant Tom Burek wants the public to be aware of. He says the fifth fatality came overnight Thursday on Interstate-88 in a single vehicle crash.

Burek tells WGIL it can be devastating when drivers and passengers alike fail to strap on their seat belts because so often a crash turns fatal for that very reason.

"Sometimes it takes that tragic situation for them to realize what it means," Burek said. "I don't know if we'll ever be to the day where we'll be in 100% compliance. But, I think it's important for all of us -- law enforcement, the community, the media -- to get the message out, and to always strive to get that to 100 the best we can."

And that's the plan for District 7 Illinois State Police next week.

Burek says troopers are taking a proactive approach in response to the five fatalities that include three Stark County High School students that did not wear seat belts this week.

He says his department plans to invite the media and public to formulate solutions and brainstorm ideas together on how these accidents can be eliminated.
12 02 11 by Newsroom
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