The death of 25-year-old Bellingham man who was killed early Saturday, Dec. 12, when his car drove off the North Cascades Highway into a gully and hit a power pole, reinforces the importance of seatbelts.

The accident victim died when his 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser crossed over the centerline heading eastbound and left the highway near Challenger Road, just west of the town of Concrete. The crash occurred about 4:40 a.m.

The driver was ejected from his vehicle and alcohol is suspected as having contributed to the accident.

The deadly combination of drinking and driving while not wearing seatbelts has lead to several deadly crashes as of late. State troopers who have seen an increase in roadside collision with police vehicles have initiated programs to crackdown on impaired driving. Drunk driving, which can lead to reckless driving habits and hazardous speeds, puts both the driver and others in danger. Seatbelt usage can reduce the injuries associated with a car accident and often are the decisive factor between life and death.