Lowell Police WebNews

Lowell Police Department Launches Statewide High-Visibility

Click It or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization

Massachusetts is Serious about Saving Lives through Seat Belt Use

 

LOWELL, MA (May 9, 2012) – In our continuing effort to save lives, the Lowell Police Department, in partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s (EOPSS) Highway Safety Division (HSD), the State Police and over 120 other local departments, is launching a high-visibility seat belt enforcement mobilization called Click It or Ticket.  The message is simple: Massachusetts drivers and passengers should always wear their seat belts or be prepared to face the consequences.

During the “Click It or Ticket” mobilization, which runs from May 14th through June 3rd, thousands of extra state and local police will patrol the state’s streets and highways in a concerted effort to promote and enforce seat belt use with the ultimate goal of saving lives.

Many departments across the state have adopted zero-tolerance policies for seat belt violations signaling the increasing importance of seat belt use. In fact, if pulled over, everyone in the car found not wearing a seat belt will be ticketed.

“The Lowell Police Department takes the “Click It or Ticket” mobilization very seriously because it saves lives,” said Police Superintendent, Kenneth Lavallee. “Automobile accidents happen every day. Wearing a seatbelt is the best way for drivers and passengers to remain protected against death or injury when these unfortunate events occur.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), based on known usage, 49 percent of the people killed in passenger motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2010 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

“Many people don’t wear seatbelts because they believe they are a good driver or because they don’t think it is necessary for short trips,” said Superintendent Lavallee, “but reckless drivers are unpredictable. The best way to stay protected is to wear a seatbelt for every trip.”

Seat belt use can be the difference between life and death.  It is the best defense in a crash.  Remember to Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time.

For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.