As of Sept. 22 in Alabama, traffic fatalities have increased by 108 from the same time last year.

That number is too high, considering many could have been avoided by simply wearing a seatbelt.

Of course a seatbelt will not always prevent a rash from turning tragic, but it certainly helps reduce the risk of death.

According to Alabama State Senior Trooper Reginal King, more than half of those killed in crashes this year had the opportunity to wear a seatbelt but choose not to.

We know that riding in a car with your friends, going to a football game or to hangout or anything can be fun, but it doesn’t mean you should put your life at risk by simply not wearing a seatbelt.

You can receive a ticket now for not buckling up, but if that doesn’t catch your attention, hopefully the number of fatalities will.

King said law enforcement is doing everything they can to convince people to wear their seatbelt, but it’s going to take the public to lower the number of deaths.

If you’re riding with a friend or family member and they are not wearing their seatbelt, point it out to them. Don’t feel like you can’t make a difference.

King said the two main causes of crashes is speeding and driving under the influence.

There is no need for anyone to drive while intoxicated or under the influence of any drugs.

You are not only putting your life at risk by doing that, you are putting the lives of children, mothers, fathers and others at risk.

Don’t drive while under the influence, and always buckle up.