Saved by the Belt: Northfield Police Honor Boy, Grandfather for Wearing Seatbelt in Nearly Fatal Crash

Two people, a boy and his grandfather, almost lost their lives on Highway 246 at County Road 1, in Northfield. Today, at that same spot, they were honored for taking the life-saving measure of wearing a seatbelt.

Several Minnesota law enforcement agencies join forces Thursday morning to honor a local teen passenger and his grandfather that were both "saved by the belt." Rice County Sheriff, Troy Dunn, along with Northfield Police, Sgt. Kevin Tussing and Minnesota State Patrol, Trooper Don Cobban, honored Logan Sterling Meyers, age 13, and Sterling Sibley, with "Saved by the Belt" awards.

On Sept. 5, 2015, Logan was riding with his grandfather, Sibley. They were Northbound on Highway 246 in Northfield when they struck a vehicle that ran the stop sign at the intersection of County Road 1. The vehicles left the roadway and rolled into the ditch, all of the occupants were transported to Northfield Hospital.

Sibley and his grandson, Logan, survived this crash with almost no injuries because they were wearing their seat belts, authorities say.

Not Buckling Up is a Dangerous Decision

• In 2015, 91 unbelted motorists lost their lives on Minnesota roads.
• In a five year period (2011 – 2015), 38 percent of the 1,379 people killed while riding in motor vehicles were not wearing seat belts.
• In 2015, 77 percent of vehicle occupants who were ejected or partially ejected and died were not wearing a seat belt.
• In Minnesota in 2015, seat belts saved an estimated 227 people ages 5 and older. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Most Minnesotans buckle up. The 2016 Minnesota Observational Seat Belt Survey results show:

• A 93 percent compliance for front seat occupants.
• Males continue to buckle up at a lower rate (90 percent) compared with females (96.5 percent).
• Pickup drivers have the lowest seat belt use.
• Pickup truck 83.6 percent
• Passenger vehicle: 95.2 percent
• Van/Minivan: 92.8 percent
• SUV: 95.2 percent

Statewide seat belt use by percent

• 2016: 93.2
• 2015: 94
• 2014: 94.7
• 2013: 94.8
• 2012: 93.6
• 2011: 92.7
• 2010: 92.3
• 2009: 90.2

Minnesota Seat Belt Law

Minnesota law requires all motorists to buckle up or be seated in the correct child restraint. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. Seat belts must be worn correctly — low and snug across the hips or thighs, and shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back.
“Our hope is that one day we no longer find a motorist who chooses to not wear their seat belt,” said Lt. Heath Dienger, Minnesota State Patrol. “Until that day comes, we will continue to aggressively stop those who are not belted to encourage them to comply with the law for their safety.”

Minnesota Child Car Seat Law and Steps

• In Minnesota, all children must be in a child restraint until they are 4’9” tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.
• Rear-facing child seats - Newborns to at least 1 year and 20 pounds; recommended up to age 2. It is safest to keep a child rear-facing as long as possible.
• Forward-facing seats - Age 2 until around age 4. It's preferable to keep children in a harnessed restraint until they reach the maximum weight limit.
• Booster seats - Use after outgrowing a forward-facing harnessed restraint; safest to remain in a booster until 4 feet 9 inches tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.
• Seat belts - Use when children can sit with their back against the vehicle seat and have their knees bent comfortably over the edge with their feet touching the floor

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