Mock Crash Demonstrates Importance of Seat Belt Use

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Authorities in Maryland host a deadly driving demonstration on Tuesday to kick off the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

At 35mph, official demonstrate a "T-bone" crash at the Martin State Airport in Middle River.

A typical crash and the one chosen are aimed to reinforce the need to buckle up in all seats.

A message that's personal for mom Suzanne Elzey whose son Tyler was killed in 2013 following a "T-bone" car crash with 3 of his friends on Kent Island.

"If it can happen to Tyler, trust me it can happen to anyone," she says.

Her son was sitting in the backseat and was not wearing a seat belt.

The importance of Tuesday's dramatic demo showcases not just what happens to unbuckled front passengers, but also unbuckled people in the backseat

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation over the last 5 years 59 percent of all backseat passenger who died in the state weren't wearing seat belts.

On average 120 people die each year from refusing to buckle up.

"Unbelted drivers and passengers make up and unusual large percentages of fatalities in Maryland," said Pete Rahn, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation.

Suzanne Elzey has founded the driving safety organization CruiseSafe in honor of her late son to make sure no other parent has go through the same heartbreak.

"Unless you have experienced it first-hand there is no way to tell you what it feels like to have to read your child's autopsy report all I  can say it's the most unimaginable pain one could endure," said Elzey.

Buckling up is the law in Maryland. Driver could pay up to an $83 fine.