Click It Don't Risk It to Boost Seat Belt Use - Day and Night

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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897

For Immediate Release: 5/9/2013

Please direct questions to the District Office


Click It Don't Risk It to Boost Seat Belt Use - Day and Night

JEROME - As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho State Police and other Magic Valley law enforcement agencies are urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning May 20th, 2013, law enforcement officers will be out in full force, taking part in the 2013 national Click It Don't Risk It seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

"As we kick-off the busy summer driving season it's important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night - no excuses," said Sgt. Michael Wendler "Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone they come in contact with who is not wearing their seat belt - Click It Don't Risk It."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime. According to NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

Tragically, lack of seatbelt use contributes to many lives lost every year right here in Idaho. In 2011, there were 123 occupants of motor vehicles killed in crashes in Idaho. Of those killed, a meager 39 were restrained, leaving 84 who were not.

"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 Sgt. Wendler. "We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists - clicking that seat belt."

In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide according to NHTSA. While this year's Click It Don't Risk It enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

For more on the national Click It Don't Risk It mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov. For interviews, ride-alongs, or other media inquiries please contact your local law enforcement or the District 4 Idaho State Police at 208-736-3060.

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