When Broadway’s “Hamilton” wonderkid Lin-Manuel Miranda landed on the White House Poetry Jam invite list with VIP rappers, musicians, and poets, many in the room laughed, “rap and Alexander Hamilton, really?” But they soon leaned in, snapping fingers to a contagious beat as he nailed his shotperforming the opening number of his smash hit musical. Mic drop.
Hamilton’s fight for independence and vision to build a new republic were noble ambitions. And he refused to throw away his shot to make them a reality. That should inspire us to use seat belts every trip – they’re our one shot to survive a crash.
Seat belts are our safest defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers, yet there are many myths surrounding them. See if you know the difference between the myths vs. the real deal :
- If your car has air bags, you still need to wear your seat belt?
- Seat belts can trap you in a fire or under water?
- On short trips or traveling fast, seat belts aren’t needed?
- Your seat belt can hurt you in a crash?
- You’re safer in a pickup truck, so seat belts are unnecessary?
- It’s not as essential for guys to wear seat belts – they’re least at risk?
Always play it safe and don’t throw away your shot.
In 2025, in Iowa, 98 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of six since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 355 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, visit the daily fatality report.