Millions of people are expected on the highways for Thanksgiving travel this week. State and local law enforcement agencies across the nation are participating in a seat belt campaign that is called Click It or Ticket. Paul Holmes is the Public Information Officer with the Jonesboro Police Department. According to Holmes, almost half of passenger vehicle occupants killed crashes were not wearing seat belts. He says that is a staggering number.
“Seat belt use reduces the risk of fatalities of front-seat passengers by 45%. That is a substantial reduction just by clicking that seat belt. We want people to buckle their seat belts and be safe.”
Holmes says the national campaign starts Wednesday and will end Monday morning. He says that is because of the high volume of traffic that is expected to be on the road this holiday weekend.
“The Department of Transportation’s National Traffic Safety Administration sponsors this ever year. That is because of the high volume to traffic during this holiday and that provides extra risk. It is best to obey the speed limit, plan for more time than you need to get to your destination, fasten your seat belt, and travel safely.”
He also says it is important to buckle up, even if your trip is just around where you live. He says many accidents, some fatal, can happen not far from where you live.
“Many traffic accidents that take place happen just a short distance from your homes. Don’t think that just because you are going to a friend’s house, to the grocery store, or just running errands that you don’t need your seat belt. If you are going across the country, or across town, put it on.”
Paul Holmes with the Jonesboro Police Department. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved the lives of over 12-thousand people nationwide in 2013. Those who don’t use their seat belts will immediately be given a ticket. More information is available here.
