State Seat Belt Safety Campaign Kicks Off at Durfee

Meaghan Aguiar'18

Hilltop Reporter

-Photo by: Meaghan Aguiar

Principal Desmarais spoke about seat belt safety at the press 
conference.

An outdoor press conference was held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at B.M.C. Durfee High School to introduce a new state-wide seat belt campaign.  

Durfee students and faculty, along with state officials and deceased Durfee Student, Hannah Raposo's grandparents, came together to speak on the importance of wearing a seat belt when in a motor vehicle.

According to Jennifer Queally, undersecretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, “we are number 48 out of 50 states for seatbelt use.” Her office is coordinating the campaign throughout the state. 

The event took place outside of the Durfee main entrance as seniors stood around to listen to the important message being spread by Fall River's very own Mayor, Jasiel Correia; “Make sure you buckle up for you family, for your friends, for your mom, so that your beautiful lives, your short, short lives that you've lived so far, are not taken.”

-Photo by Meaghan Aguiar

State Representative Alan Silvia worked on passing 
the seatbelt bill last year.

The address was made prior to Mother’s Day as a way of signifying the impact of seat belt safety on those involved in a motor vehicle accident and the effect on the victim’s family. 

Prom was also brought up to warn those attending the event to be careful on such a busy night with so many cars on the road.  

Senior students were reminded of the role they play in road safety and how they can continue to protect themselves every time they enter a vehicle.  

Senior, Natasha Burgo was in attendance at the press conference and will remember the campaign’s slogan for years to come. “‘Love your Mom? Buckle up!’ will remind me to buckle up whenever I am in a car.” said Burgo.