JANUARY 10, 2008

Visitors to the 2008 North American International Auto Show can experience firsthand the impact of a collision, vividly reminding them of the importance of always wearing a seat belt, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

The Michigan Secretary of State's Office and the Michigan Sheriffs' Association have teamed up to bring "The Convincer," an 18-foot-long crash simulator, to the auto show. The machine simulates the power of a low-speed crash and an airbag deploying, showing riders why seat belts are needed to survive crashes.

It will be part of the Secretary of State display in the Cobo Center concourse that focuses on traffic safety.

"Michigan residents have made great strides in wearing their seat belts, but we still have too many people, particularly teen drivers, who aren't buckling up," Land said. "I encourage all auto show visitors to stop by our booth to watch The Convincer in action. You also can get your Secretary of State questions answered by our knowledgeable staff as you check out the exciting new designs of world automakers. I enjoy visiting the auto show because of how it makes Detroit and the whole state shine during this premiere event."

Land and the Michigan sheriffs remind drivers that wearing a seat belt reduces their chance of death by 50 percent and serious injury by 70 percent. In 2006, 45 percent of motorists killed on Michigan roads weren't wearing a safety belt. Nationally, motor-vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds.

"Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective way to avoid injury or death if you're in a car crash," said Terrence L. Jungel, executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association. "I want to thank Secretary Land for joining with the Michigan sheriffs to feature The Convincer at the Detroit auto show so drivers of all ages can feel how powerful crashes really are. Hopefully, The Convincer will live up to its name, and convince people to buckle up."

The Convincer will be operated by sheriffs' deputies from Berrien, Calhoun, Ingham, Lenawee, Macomb, Oakland, Van Buren and Wayne counties.

The Secretary of State booth is across from the Macomb Hall entrance to the main show floor. The Convincer will be operating at the auto show from:

• 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Jan. 19, 20 and 26;
• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 21-25; and,
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 27.

Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies, also will be part of the Secretary of State's auto show booth, welcoming visitors and reminding them to buckle up, and goggles that simulate alcohol intoxication will be available at the booth.

Additionally, Secretary of State employees will be available to answer questions, register people to vote and help people to change the address on their driver's license or personal identification card. Other Secretary of State services are available at the branch office across the street from the Cobo Center at 550 Washington Blvd.

Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about Secretary of State services.