Chelsea Police Cracking Down on Seat Belt Use to Save More Lives
Special Click It or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Aims to Increase Seat Belt Use across the State
[CHELSEA, MA] –Members of the Chelsea Police Department are making a special, life-changing commitment this summer, to help save more lives on Massachusetts roadways by stepping-up enforcement and reminding all drivers and passengers to Click It or Ticket.
This special crackdown taking place July 23-30 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 Brian Kyes. “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.
“Even one life lost on our roadways is one too many,” said Chief Brian Kyes. “That’s why the Chelsea 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.”
Chief Kyes said that 72 percent of passenger vehicle occupants in a serious crash that 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, SUVs and mini-vans.
“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 Chief Kyes. “Unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse - your life, please remember to always Click It or Ticket, day and night.”
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