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Corzine: Do As I Say, Not As I Did

Injured NJ governor pushes seatbelt use in dramatic PSA

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2007 3:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – Jon Corzine dodged a bullet, and he wants to make sure he isn't alone. The New Jersey governor, gravely injured in an SUV crash last month while not wearing a seatbelt, appears in a new 30-second TV ad that makes it clear he's learned his lesson. Today he joined the secretary of transportation to drive home the message: Buckle up.

Corzine, still walking with crutches, was exhibit A as the federal government released 2006 figures on highway deaths just in time for Memorial Day. The total dipped slightly from the year before to 43,300 (down from 43,443), 25,000 of whom weren't strapped in. "From the bottom of my heart," said Corzine, "every time, every ride, buckle up."

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ly injured in an April 12 car crash in which he wasn't wearing his seat belt. (AP Photo/David Gard) (Associated Press)

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine, right, arrives Friday, May 25, 2007, at a press conference with U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, left, at the Governor's mansion in Princeton, N.J., to encourage... (Associated Press)

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine uses crutches to walk down the steps Monday May 7, 2007, at Drumthwacket, in Princeton, N.J., after returning to the duties of governor earlier Monday while he continues... (Associated Press)

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine smiles as he uses crutches to walk down the steps at his official residence, Drumthwacket, in Princeton, N.J., Monday May 7, 2007, after returning to the duties of governor... (Associated Press)

Corzine Released From Hospital After Car Crash (Getty Images (by Event))

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Jon Corzine - Seatbelt Public Service Announcement (redjaber (YouTube))

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Corzine: Do As I Say, Not As I Did