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Tri-County Operation Cool Gets $20,000 from Mitsubishi Motors

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Seatbelt

Mitsubishi’s donation will help education teenagers about the importance of using seat belts

Seat belts are some of the most important safety features in a vehicle, but many people choose not to use them. Mitsubishi is looking to increase seat belt usage, and has literally put its money where its mouth is.

The Japanese carmaker recently donated $20,000 to Tri-County Operation Cool, a teenager-focused program that helps increase the use of seat belts through education and incentives. It encourages students participating within the program to sign a pledge to stay enrolled in school, wear their seat belt at all times, and to not drive under the influence.

“We are proud to be an integral part of a program that instills the message of safe driving for young adults,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president for Mitsubishi Motors North American (MMNA). “MMNA is committed to giving back to local community organizations and today’s donation reinforces our ongoing commitment to the Central Illinois community.”

The Commander of Illinois State Police District 10 and Mitsubishi Motors pioneered the Tri-County Operation Cool program was founded in 1997 when the number of teen deaths from traffic incidents involving drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts increased. Now, the program has continued to save hundreds of lives over the past decade, making life better for teens and parents alike.