May 29, 2012 by Julie Montanaro

Maclay School has been named the winner of the 2012 Battle of the Belts.

The school had a 96% seat belt compliance rate. It received a $1000 check from Fonvielle, Lewis, Foote and Messer to use toward graduation, prom or other student activities.

"It feels very good. It's good to know my Marauders wear their seatbelts every day. We know how crazy the roads are and we try to take care of ourselves," said Ben Suber, a Maclay High School senior who accepted the check for his school.

Leon High School was the most improved for boosting its student seat belt use from 75% last year to 90% this year. It also received a $1000 check.

The Tallahassee Police Department sponsors the friendly competition each year in hopes of saving lives. They urge parents of all teen drivers to have a talk with them about safety as graduation weekend nears.