What percentage of officers killed in crashes were not wearing seatbelts?

• A. Over 42%
• B. Under 20%
• C. About 60%
• D. About 75%

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is that many police fatalities in vehicle crashes involve officers who were not wearing seat belts, highlighting how critical belt use is for officer safety.

The best choice matches data showing that more than four in ten officers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts. So saying “over 42%” accurately reflects that substantial, but not overwhelming, share of unbelted fatalities. The other options don’t fit the real-world pattern: less than 20% would imply most fatalities were belted, which isn’t supported; about 60% would suggest an even higher unbelted rate than observed; and about 75% would imply a very large majority unbelted, which is not the supported figure. Wearing seat belts saves lives and reduces injuries, so this statistic reinforces the practice of always buckling up for patrol.