CLICK IT OR TICKET - May 19

This May, Staunton Police will be partnering with law enforcement across Virginia and the nation to increase seat belt use with the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement mobilization in an effort to save more lives on Virginia’s roadways.

According to preliminary numbers from DMV: the Virginia Highway Safety Office, there were 1.026 fatalities in Virginia in 2007. Of those, 451 involved no restraint use. In 2006, 62% of all passenger vehicle occupants killed in fatal crashes were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

The Staunton Police Department will be out in force ticketing all motorists that are violating traffic laws in Virginia with a particular emphasis being placed on lack of seat belt and child safety use.

“There are still too many people dying or being injured as a result of not buckling up. Virginia experienced the highest number of fatalities in 2007 that we have seen in a decade and this has to stop,” Captain M.A. Harlow said. “That’s why this May and throughout the year, we are increasing enforcement to continue to impress upon all citizens that seat belt use is a must when getting into any vehicle.” Captain M.A. Harlow went on to say, “Regular use of seat belts clearly saves lives, unfortunately, too many folks in Virginia still need a tough reminder that wearing a seat belt is the absolute best way to protect themselves in a crash, so we are here to tell everyone, the Staunton Police Department has zero tolerance when it comes to not buckling up. Please remember, buckle up everyone, every ride. Click it or Ticket.”

For more information, visit www.dmvnow.com/highwaysafety