Residents can experience the force generated during a crash traveling only 5 to 7 mph with a Seat Belt Convincer on display during the next week at five Wal-Mart stores in Rutherford County, said Sheriff's Capt. Steve Spence.

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office was selected by the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office to house the Middle Tennessee Seat Belt Convincer. The Seat Belt Convincer educates residents about the value of wearing a seat belt.

"We encourage motorists to always wear a seat belt," said Capt. Spence. "It's always rewarding when we see people walk away from a crash safely because they wore a seat belt."

The Seat Belt Convincer simulates a low speed collision and allows the participant to experience the force generated during a 5-7 mile per hour impact.

Sheriff's deputies will demonstrate the Seat Belt Convincer and conduct child passenger safety education during a partnership with all five Wal-Mart locations in Rutherford County.

Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy, who coordinates the child passenger programs for the Sheriff's Office, said it is recommended that children under age 2 be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat. Newborns to children 4 years of age must be secured in a child safety seat. Children ages 4 to 9 or until they reach 4-feet-9-inches tall should be secured in booster seats. Older children must be secured in seat belts.

The events are part of a partnership with the Governor's Highway Safety Office and other Tennessee law enforcement agencies to promote wearing seat belts and securing children in child safety seats, booster seats and seat belts during the Click It or Ticket campaign May 18-May 31.

Come out to get your child seat checked and see the Seat Belt Convincer. The Seat Belt Convincer will be demonstrated at the following locations:

• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Wal-Mart on Joe B. Jackson Highway in Murfreesboro.
• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24 at Wal-Mart on Rutherford Boulevard in Murfreesboro.
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at Wal-Mart on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro.
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 at Wal-Mart on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro.
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Wal-Mart on Nissan Boulevard in Smyrna.