Article Contributed on: 2/29/2008 3:59:45 PM
In an effort to combat unbelted fatalities in Colorado, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other local law enforcement agencies in a special "Click It or Ticket" enforcement mobilization in March aimed at getting more teens to buckle up.
Each year thousands of teens and their passengers are killed on our nation's roadways in motor vehicle crashes and are consistently ranked among those least likely to buckle up. In 2006 alone, 4,842 teens, ages 16 to 20, were killed in motor vehicle crashes. More than half of those killed were not buckled up at the time of the fatal crash.
In Colorado, 66 drivers and passengers, ages 16 to 20, were killed during 2006 in motor vehicle crashes, and nearly three-fourths (45 teens) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
"Beginning March 3rd through 9th, law enforcement in our area will be stepping-up enforcement efforts and buckling down on those who aren't buckled up," said Sgt. Adam Cataffo. "We're going to be out in force showing zero tolerance and making sure drivers and passengers of all ages are always buckling up - day and night," he said. "Anyone caught not wearing a seat belt will be ticketed and fined."
In addition to stepped-up enforcement efforts by State and local law enforcement, advertising and other paid media outlets will focus on communicating the "Click It or Ticket" message - especially to teens. The message is important.
Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people
and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Nationally, 72 percent of the vehicle occupants involved in a fatal crash in 2006 that were restrained survived the crash. Unfortunately, too many Colorado motorists still need a tough reminder, so officers are stepping up enforcement efforts to include increased saturation patrols and enforcement zones.
"Our goal is to save more lives this year by convincing all drivers and passengers - but especially teens - that seat belts save lives," Sgt. Adam Cataffo said. "We will be out in force reminding motorists that unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse, your life, please remember - No more exceptions. No more excuses. 'Click It or Ticket' - day and night."
For more information on "Click It or Ticket," visit www.nhtsa.gov/link/ciot.htm and
www.COteendriver.com.