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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Here's proof it's a good idea to wear your seat belt even when you don't legally have to.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon say his involvement is a recent traffic accident taught him that lesson.

The governor was traveling in a highway patrol car in Jefferson City when it was rear-ended.

Nixon said he was reaching down to get a briefcase that was on the other side when the accident occurred.

The governor had some minor neck pain but was treated and released from the hospital.

Nixon said because he was in the back seat that he was not required by Missouri law to wear a seat belt.

But now he's says he will make sure that he has one on and urged everybody else to do the same.