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Click It or Ticket

Posted on: November 16, 2012
Tags: Police, Press Release

Press Release November 16, 2012

This Thanksgiving, Buckle Up or Pay Up...
Click It or Ticket Cracking Down on Those not Buckling Up

[Clearcreek Township, OH] – The Thanksgiving holiday period is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and to help save lives on our roadways Clearcreek Township will be teaming with other state and local law enforcement officers from across the country to strongly enforce local seat belt laws. 

During the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday (which ran from 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, to 5:59 a.m., Monday, November 29) 337 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide, and a staggering 55 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash. 

“Too many people are not getting the message, so we’ll be out in force during this long travel weekend, with a simple goal— to strictly enforce the law in order to save more lives,” said Chief John Terrill. “If you are caught not wearing your seatbelt, you will be stopped and you will be given a ticket.”

 “During this Thanksgiving holiday, many more people are on the road traveling to visit friends and family. So whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, one of the best ways to ensure a safe arrival is to always buckle up,” said Chief Terrill.  “But if you break the law and are caught not wearing your seat belt, you will face the consequences.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved more than 12,500 lives nationwide during 2010 alone. In fact, research shows that the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent, when seat beats are worn correctly. 

Yet, too many people are still not getting the message.  Fifty-one percent of the 22,187 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle crashes during 2010 were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 64 percent of nighttime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants, while only 41 percent of daytime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants.

“Throughout the year, but especially during busy travel times like the Thanksgiving holiday, we will be cracking down on those who don’t buckle up, to help save lives and prevent injuries,” said Chief Terrill.  “Please remember to always wear your seat belt so you can spend the holidays celebrating with your loved ones and not worrying about the cost of a ticket. Because we will be out in force, Click It or Ticket.”

Clearcreek Township police officers will be working additional traffic enforcement hours as a part of the High Visibility Enforcement Overtime (HVEO) grant program awarded to them through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

For more information about traveling safely during Thanksgiving, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.