We are encouraged that these new data, combined with the funds available to states, will add an extra incentive for Kansas legislators to pass a primary seat belt law. It's time for our leaders to heed the call of law enforcement, the safety community, and most importantly, its citizens, to enact a law that has proven to save lives.

The new data make clear that the difference between states with high seat belt use and states with low seat belt use is a primary seat belt law.

It is our hope that these funds will add that extra incentive, especially at a time when budgets are tight.