Millions of Americans are still not buckling up, but that’s going to
change; at least that’s U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s
mission. While seat belt use is at a record high 84 percent nationwide,
45 million Americans are still not buckling up when riding in motor
vehicles. In an effort to increase belt use and save lives, the
Secretary recently kicked off Click It or Ticket, a national enforcement
mobilization that encourages all motorists to wear their seat belts —
day and night. Drivers caught not wearing their seat belt run the risk
of being ticketed.
“We’ve made great strides to get Americans to buckle up, but we
must not rest on our laurels,” said Secretary LaHood. “Not wearing your
seat belt is a serious, life-threatening practice. If you are one of the
45 million Americans who won’t buckle up, our Click It or Ticket
enforcement mobilization will be looking for you.”
On any given day about 38 people who are not buckled-up are killed
in motor vehicle crashes, according to statistics from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2008 alone, nearly
14,000 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives on U.S.
roadways. Nearly half of them could have been saved if they had been
belted. Click here to view map.
NHTSA statistics also show that those least likely to buckle-up
are teens; young adults; males; nighttime riders; motorists traveling on
rural roads; and individuals traveling in pick-up trucks. Click www.trailerlife.com to view statistics.
“Regular seat belt use is the single best way to protect yourself
and your family in motor vehicle crashes,” said NHTSA Administrator
David Strickland. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing. But the
cost for not wearing one certainly will. Don’t risk your life, or
getting a ticket. Please remember to buckle up day and night — every
trip, every time.”
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is set to run from May 24
through June 6, 2010. The mobilization, expected to involve more than
10,000 police agencies, is supported by $8 million in national
advertising funded through Congress and coordinated by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The ads, which will air
in English and Spanish, generate awareness of the increased enforcement
efforts and the increased chance of getting a ticket if you are not
buckled up. Ads will be aired on television, radio, and online.
