THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR ROBERT BYRD.

Washington, DC…U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today applauded West Virginia drivers for their commitment to buckling up -- an important safety habit that has resulted in the awarding of a $5 million federal Safety Belt Performance Grant to the Mountain State. Byrd was a strong supporter of a provision in the 2005 transportation legislation that provides additional funding to states that have the highest rates of seat belt usage.

“Wearing a seat belt every time we get into an automobile is one of the surest ways to protect oneself from serious injury in the event of an accident,” Byrd said. “I am very pleased to learn that our state has one of the highest rates of seat belt usage in the nation. The good judgment and common sense demonstrated by the people of West Virginia has paid off in the form of a $5 million grant that will help make our roads safer. I supported the Safety Belt Performance Grant Program in the U.S. Senate because I believe safe driving should be encouraged and rewarded.”

West Virginia qualified for the grant after achieving a seat belt use rate of 85 percent or higher in 2006 and 2007. The funds can be used by the state for any purpose that corrects or improves a hazardous roadway location or to proactively address highway safety problems.