A friendly competition between local high schools may encourage seat-belt use

FDOT’s ‘Battle of the Belts’ may save lives.

Mascots for Columbia High and Fort White High prepare for the “Battle of the Belts,” a friendly competition organized by FDOT. For its size, Columbia is the worst county in the state for seat-belt use, the agency says. (COURTESY)
Mascots for Columbia High and Fort White High prepare for the “Battle of the Belts,” a friendly competition organized by FDOT. For its size, Columbia is the worst county in the state for seat-belt use, the agency says. (COURTESY)

Columbia County is No. 1 at something, but it’s not an honor to be proud of. 

Among the 16 Florida counties with a population between 50,000 to 200,000, Columbia County ranks first for the number …