Seat Belt Law May Have Saved Man's Life

By Prescott Carlson in News on May 24, 2008 6:40PM

A lot of people like to complain about Illinois' mandatory seat belt law, but one Chicago-area driver this week had his irritation turn into gratitude. As local and state police are participating in the "Click It or Ticket" program and stepping up enforcement, Tim Ignasiak of Palos Hills was pulled over Thursday morning for not wearing a seat belt. After presumably muttering a few expletives under his breath, Ignasiak received his $25 ticket, buckled up, and drove off. A short while later his SUV was broadsided by a vehicle that ran a red light.

"I didn't get a scratch on me," Ignasiak said Friday. "I'm happy to be alive."

Michelle Ignasiak was so happy her husband wasn't injured, she called the Hickory Hills Police to thank them.

"I'm happily paying that ticket," she said. "It was a blessing."

[S-T]

Photo by pirate johnny