“Buckle up, New York.”
That’s the message from law enforcement agencies who will launch the 2018 “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign as motorists hit the roads for the Memorial Day holiday.
Riverhead Town Police are urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning May 21 through June 3, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, cracking down on motorists who are not belted.
“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is critical that everyone buckles up every time they go out, day or night – no excuses,” Riverhead Town Highway Patrol Officer Dennis Cavanagh said.
“Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seatbelt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies across the country will join forces to provide increased seatbelt enforcement, sending a ‘zero tolerance’ message to the public: driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, according to a Riverhead Town Police press release.
In 1984, New York was the first state in the nation to pass legislation requiring drivers and front passengers to use seatbelts. In 2016, New York State matched its record compliance rate of 92 percent for the second consecutive year. For seven years, the state compliance rate has been at or above 90 percent. Nationally, the compliance rate is 88.5 percent.
“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said Riverhead Police Sergeant John Vail, the department’s “Click It Or Ticket” campaign coordinator
“We want to make this the safest summer possible. Buckling up is not optional; It’s the difference between life and death in a crash,” Vail said. “That’s why we’re out there enforcing the law. Click It Or Ticket, every time, day or night.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that seatbelts saved 13,941 lives in 2015 nationally and could have saved another 2,804 if people who weren’t wearing them had done so. In New York, NHTSA estimates seatbelts saved 443 lives in 2015 and another seven children under age 5 were saved by car seats. The NHTSA also estimated another 55 lives could have been saved with 100 percent compliance
For more information on the Click It Or Ticket or Buckle Up New York mobilization, please visit: www.nhtsa.gov or www.safeny.ny.gov
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