It takes just a few seconds to secure your safety, but one East Valley high school senior is trying to convince drivers and passengers to buckle up as part of a class project on social awareness.
One of the questions in Blake Kean's questionnaire is: How effective do you think seat belts are?
The results of the more than 500 responses were actually not surprising to the 18-year-old Perry High School student. Kean says she has seen a lot of bad driving behavior in just about two years on the road.
"Now, that I can drive and I go hang out with my friends, I've noticed a lot of people don't wear their seat belts and don't think it's that big of a deal," Kean explained.
Lazy, uncomfortable, or a short-driving distance are just some of the excuses respondents gave for not putting on a seat belt while on the road.
"Just trying to focus on if people know the actual risks," Kean said. "That's what my project is really focusing on... if people are aware of what they're putting themselves up to when they don't wear a seat belt."
She is finding all of those risks out through required research and statistics for the project that she will display on a website for her final presentation. Plus, it will be live for her to share with her community and could make change some of those responses.
"I hope this makes people put their seat belt on and just be aware of... if they choose not to, what potentially could happen," Kean said.
It's a school project with a bigger purpose that goes far beyond the classroom. Operation Safe Roads is proud of this teen who is driven to make a difference, no matter her age.
If you would like to take Kean's survey, click here.
Have a road issue or question for Operation Safe Roads? You can call 833-AZROADS or email roads@abc15.com.