Williamstown Cracking Down on Seat-Belt Scofflaws
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The Williamstown Police Department is making a commitment to help save lives by stepping up enforcement of the state's seat belt law. It's reminding all drivers and passengers of the annual statewide Click It or Ticket campaign.
The crackdown taking place July 23 to 30 marks one of many aggressive seat-belt enforcement waves across Massachusetts, designed to increase seat-belt use and decrease fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes.
"It is a proven fact that regular seat-belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce unnecessary tragic deaths on our roads," said Police Chief Kyle J. Johnson. "But, too many people still haven't gotten the message and continue to put their lives at risk by not buckling up."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 65 percent of those killed in motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2007 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, based on known usage.
"Even one life lost on our roadways is one too many," said Johnson. "That's why the Williamstown Police Department is joining with the state police and over 240 other local law enforcement organizations to launch this special Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization. Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted throughout the month, targeting drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belts. No more excuses, no more exceptions."
Studies show that 72 percent of passenger vehicle occupants in a serious crash who are buckled up survive the crash, and that when worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent — and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans.
"There's no doubt about it, seat belts save lives. Unfortunately, too many of our residents still need a tough reminder, so we are going to be out in force buckling down on those who are not buckled up," said Johnson. "Unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse — your life, please remember to always Click It or Ticket, day and night."
For more information, visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.
