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SHOW LOW POLICE
DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES CLICK IT OR TICKET TO HELP SAVE LIVES
Enforcement blitz
“buckling down” on those not buckled up—day and night
Show Low, AZ – During 2007, more than
14,000 people in passenger vehicles died in crashes while unbelted. About
half of these lives could have been saved if they had been wearing seat
belts at the time of the crash. As sad as this statistic is, the numbers are
even worse at night than during the day, according to new figures released
by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Nationwide in 2007, 14,464
passenger vehicle occupants died in highway crashes during evening and
nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.), and fully 63 percent of those killed
in crashes (8,319) were not wearing their seat belts. By contrast, during
daylight hours, 45 percent (5,917) of those killed were not wearing seat
belts.
Based on these figures and
other data, the Show Low Police Department is joining state and local
law enforcement agencies and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to
support an aggressive national Click It or Ticket seat belt
enforcement campaign May 18- 31. Police will be ticketing unbelted vehicle
occupants around the clock—night and day.
“Consistent research has shown
that fewer people are buckling up at night, when the risk of a being in a
fatal crash is greatest,” said Chief Jeffrey Smythe. “That’s why
Show Low police will be out in force at night as well as during the day to
make sure that drivers and passengers take seat belts, and seat belt laws,
seriously.”
Smythe added that regular seat
belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce
fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. He noted that, when worn correctly,
seat belts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat
passenger car occupants by 45 percent and by 60 percent in pickup trucks,
SUVs and minivans.
“Despite seat belts being the
most effective piece of safety equipment in a vehicle, recent local surveys
show that more than one out of three drivers are not wearing their seat
belts in Show Low,” said Smythe. “You may recall that we addressed this very
issue during the school year with our teenage drivers. Last fall, surveys we
did at the school showed seat belt use was below 50 percent. After education
and enforcement, the most recent surveys show that 74 percent of our teenage
drivers are now buckling up to and from school.”
Stepped-up law enforcement
activities will be conducted during the 2009 Click It or Ticket
mobilization period from May 18-31. The mobilization is being supported by
an $8 million national paid advertising campaign, which, along with
additional state advertising, will encourage every driver and passenger to
buckle up, especially at night.
“Seat belts clearly save lives.
But, unfortunately, too many drivers still need a tough reminder, so we are
going to be out in force day and night buckling down on those who are not
buckled up,” said Smythe. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing,
but not wearing it will. So, unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse,
your life, please remember to buckle up night and day. Don’t forget,
Click It or Ticket isn’t just a campaign slogan, it’s a promise!”
The current fine in the Show Low Magistrate
Court for a seat belt violation is $86. For more information, please visit
www.nhtsa.gov .
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