(Fairbanks) - The federal government has recognized a lawmaker's effort to making Alaska's roadways safer. The National Transportation Safety Board awarded Sen. Ralph Seekins (R - Fairbanks) with its State Safety Leadership Award during a ceremony at the Fairbanks Police Department headquarters this morning.

Sen. Seekins received the award for his work on the state's new primary seat belt law. It requires all drivers and passengers on Alaska's highways to wear a seat belt at all times.

"Many fatal car accidents are preventable and if we can get everyone to buckle up, seven to eight lives can be saved each year. A mandatory seat belt law makes our highways safer and I encourage everyone to wear their seat belt every time they get behind the wheel," said Sen. Seekins.

The State Safety Leadership awards are given to state legislators who have made highway safety a priority and secured passage of legislation that will reduce accidents and reduce the number of fatalities. Alaska is only the fifth state in the nation to receive State Safety Leadership Awards.

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