There is no doubt seat belts saved four Quincy residents from possibly being killed in a crash last summer. Click here for the story.

The Quincy Police Department handed out its annual Saved By The Belt awards earlier this week. Two high students were honored, and it’s a good way to reinforce the message of seat belt safety among young drivers. National statistics show more than 10 percent of all teens never buckle up when driving.

Scottie Chatfield, a senior at Quincy High School, is glad she buckled up. Scottie was at the intersection of 18th and Spring last summer when her car was t-boned by another vehicle. She told officers she probably would have been thrown through the window had she not worn her seat belt.

Olivia Shepard of Quincy Notre Dame also got a Saved By The Belt Award. She was stopped at 24th and Wismann Lane in February 2008 when the car behind her failed to yield. She was hit from behind, then hit the car stopped in front of her.

Had she not been wearing the seat belt, her head likely would have cracked into the windshield.

Law enforcement officials say seat belts save lives and prevent serious injuries. Scottie and Olivia will agree.

Seems the now-wild parakeet inhabiting the north end of town has been seen by more than a few people.

Jean Steinkamp of North 12th Street says the bird comes to her feeder several times a day. She thought about catching it and putting it in a cage …. but the bird is wild and free and seems to be doing just fine.

This is no fly-by-night story ….

I’m not the biggest fan of law enforcement officers conducting speed traps, “traffic safety enforcement zones” or whatever they want to call them.

At least they let you know they’ll be out and about.

Quincy Police Department officers are enforcing speed limits and other traffic issues this week in front of our schools. The speed limit during the week when school is in session is 20 miles per hour.

I hung out by Berrian School the other day after the kids got out, and more than a few cars were zipping down Eighth Street.

More than a few times I’ve driven along Jefferson Street and done more than 30 mph in front of Adams School during the day. The signs are in front of you, and the excuse of “I didn’t know” doesn’t work.

Illinois State Police troopers will be out this weekend for St. Patrick’s celebrations. This is one of the biggest party weekends of the year, and troopers say they will be ready if they encounter drivers under the influence.

We all know better. Be safe. It’s way better than getting a ticket or becoming involved in a tragic vehicle incident.