Remember this May 14 – May 31, 2010: It’s Click It or Ticket. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You will save the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.
The Itasca Police Department joins over 500 local, county and state law enforcement agencies in support of the annual mobilization. High-visibility enforcement like the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the Illinois safety belt usage rate from 76.2 percent in 2003 to 91.7 percent in 2009. Safety belt use saves lives. In 2008 alone, safety belts saved 13,250 lives nationwide.
“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket activities that will take place around the clock. If law enforcement find you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket – not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions,” said Chief Scott Heher.
In addition to the stepped up enforcement, the Itasca police Department has planned two Seat Belt Enforcement campaigns. These efforts will occur on May 14th from 11PM- 3AM, and again on May 27th, 3PM to 7PM. These two seat belt campaigns are made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.
“Nighttime drivers and passengers continue to be among those least likely to wear safety belts. They are also among those most likely to die in motor vehicle crashes. That is why the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety and the Itasca Police Department are supporting enhanced nighttime enforcement of safety belt laws during the May 14-May 31, 2010, Click It or Ticket campaign,” said Deputy Chief Robert G. O’Connor.