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EDINA, MO -- Knox County High School was awarded the 2009 “Battle of the Belts” award on Tuesday.  MoDOT sent representatives to congratulate the regional winners on their 96 percent seatbelt-usage rate. 

MoDOT Director of System Management Don Hillis said his company sponsors the program to help teen drivers understand the importance of safe driving.
    
“The program is designed to get them engaged in the issue” said Hillis.  “We teach them what the issue is and ultimately to get them to buckle up.”

Faculty and staff rate drivers by holding two surprise seat belt checks. 

In the state of Missouri, 56 percent of teen drivers wear seatbelts regularly.  Hillis said that MoDOT’s goal with the “Battle of the Belts” program is to increase that number to 100 percent.