WASHINGTON, D.C. –The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and Beer Institute today unveiled an unprecedented holiday safety campaign sponsored by the U.S. beer industry.  At a press conference in Washington, D.C., where they were joined by U.S. Representative Jack Quinn (NY) and Betty Buck, president of Buck Distributors, the organizations announced that this is the first safety campaign undertaken by the beer industry that is unrelated to consumption, and is focused on drivers of all ages. 

The Buckle Up campaign, created at the behest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is sponsored by beer distributors and brewers who have teamed up to encourage Americans to “buckle up” and drive safely, particularly during the holiday season.  Tens of thousands of beer delivery vehicles around the country will display the bright yellow bumper stickers urging Americans to wear their seat belts. 

“I am so pleased to join in this unprecedented industry effort to encourage Americans to drive safely this holiday season,” said Rep. Quinn, member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “There are numerous traffic fatalities that could be averted if drivers and their passengers would simply buckle up.  I hope more businesses will join in this great effort to make our nation’s highways safer.”

“It is no secret that the numerous initiatives sponsored by America’s beer industry over the past two decades have led to a significant decline in traffic incidents involving alcohol, drunk driving and illegal underage consumption,” said NBWA President David Rehr. “Encouraging seat belt use is yet another way we can continue to make a positive impact on driver and passenger safety.  While this is an initiative for all seasons, we feel that it is particularly important to remind Americans to buckle-up during the holiday season, when weather and increased traffic create more dangerous driving conditions.”

According to NHTSA, most passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle accidents continue to be unrestrained. In 2002, of the 32,598 fatalities, 59 percent did not use a safety restraint, such as a lap belt, lap/shoulder belt, child safety seat, etc. 

NHTSA has determined that seat belts are approximately 50 percent effective for preventing fatalities in traffic accidents in which motorists would otherwise die, and therefore conclude that increasing seat belt use saves lives.  It is estimated that increasing seat belt use to 79 from 75 percent prevented 1,000 deaths that would have otherwise occurred in 2003.

“America’s brewers have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to highway safety through designated driver programs and other initiatives, and we’re pleased to be further extending our efforts to encourage safe, responsible behavior on the roads,” said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute.  “From now on when you see a beer delivery vehicle, you’ll also see an important reminder – that drivers and their passengers should buckle up for safety.”