CLINTON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
They've heard it many times before, but now they're seeing why, thanks to a simulator from the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Known as 'Rover', the converted truck rolled into Clinton Tuesday morning. Complete with cloth dummies, 'Rover' shows what happens during a rollover crash when seat belts are not worn.
It's a visual lesson MDOT Safety Programs Coordinator Christy Milbourne says can go a long way.
"We want to reach out to kids and get them early before they develop driving habits, so that when they do begin developing driving habits, they develop good ones. Seat belt usage, not driving distracted, not driving impaired and so on," said Milbourne.
To kids like Tivona Thomas, good driving habits are essential for her and her family.
"I know that my parents don't want me to get hurt and I know that my family doesn't want me to get hurt and I don't want them to get hurt either, so we just all buckle up to make sure that doesn't happen," said Thomas.
Currently, state law requires front seat passengers and drivers to wear seat belts. Milbourne says ever since the law went into effect, more Mississippians are buckling up. Once that belt is fastened, Milbourne says it's time to pay attention.
"You're behind the wheel of a 3,000 pound moving bullet pretty much and what you do behind the wheel of that vehicle and impact not just your life but many others," said Milbourne.
The buckle up campaign is strapping itself in across the state showing up at schools, community events and organizations. With every appearance, the hope is for more lives saved.
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