Dear Editor: The Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the peak driving season, when area roads and highways are their busiest and most dangerous. Fifteen people were killed in metro area traffic crashes last Memorial Day weekend, and more than 2,400 were injured. Seven people died in crashes on New Jersey roads last Memorial Day, including two in Monmouth County, one each in Middlesex, Ocean and Bergen Counties. According to the Tri-Ste Traffic Safety Partners, a coalition of traffic safety agencies from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the holiday also kicks off “Buckle Up, American,” a nationwide campaign, supported by a Presidential initiative, aimed at getting the national seat belt usage rate from the current 67 percent to 90 percent by 2005. In New Jersey, the rate is currently 63 percent. As part of “Buckle Up, American,” police throughout the area will conduct a crackdown on drivers who don’t buckle themselves and secure children in seat belts or appropriate child safety seats. In addition to saving thousands of lives, increased seat belt usage can eliminate more than 100,000 injuries and would save an estimated $6.7 billion annually in medical costs, property damage and lost wages, according to NHTSA estimates. Seat belts should be used at all times, including in cars equipped with airbags. Driver fatigue is also a significant factor in many crashes, especially after a long day in the sun at the beach or a picnic. Traffic safety experts advise motorists to avoid driving when tired, or if driving is unavoidable, they suggest frequent rest breaks. For more safe driving information, call the Tri-State Traffic Safety Partners at 914-682-6162. Tri-State Traffic Safety Partners