Crash simulator touts seat belt use

Wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death, so the Ward Melville Heritage Organization wants you to experience a car wreck without being involved in one.

The Stony Brook Village-based nonprofit is hosting “The Seat Belt Convincer” with the assistance of state troopers on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Education & Cultural Center.

Troopers will use a crash demonstrator to simulate low-speed traffic collisions with and without a safety belt. The event is part of the organization’s summerlong “America’s Love Affair with the Automobile” exhibit.

“Wearing a seat belt is a must, because it saves lives,” said Marie Gilberti, spokeswoman for the group, which develops community enrichment and cultural programs in the village.

The Convincer was developed to demonstrate the benefit of using seat belts, and riders will experience the force generated behind the crash at the free event, officials said.

The summerlong car display also includes “Cars you’ve loved through the decades,” a full exhibit featuring a 1928 Piece Arrow, a 1956 T-Bird, 1924 Model T and a 1965 Mustang Convertible.

For information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.stonybrookvillage.com.