May 16, 2008

There will be no exceptions – you will get a ticket if you are caught by police not wearing your seat belt in Westchester. Chances are someone you know will be involved in a car crash this year. And if they are not wearing their seat belt, it is twice as likely that they will be severely injured or even killed.

That is why county and local police departments will be joining forces for the nationwide Click it or Ticket Mobilization from May 19-June 1, cracking down on seat belt violators during the 10-day period before and after the heavily traveled Memorial Day holiday. Those who fail to buckle up will be issued tickets that carry fines.

“Seat belts save lives. Too many people still take the attitude that car crashes will never happen to them,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “But fatal crashes can and do happen every day. We support this campaign and our law enforcement will be out in force showing zero tolerance for anyone not buckled up.”

This year’s mobilization will place special emphasis on young drivers, as they are at greater risk of death or injury due to traffic crashes.  National statistics indicate that car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15-20, fatality rates for teen drivers are four times higher than for older drivers, and 60 percent of teens do not wear their seat belts.

Besides buckling up, other tips for safe travel  include:

• Minimize distractions while driving. Don’t use a hand-held cell phone while you drive, or you risk getting an additonal ticket. 
• Allow someone else to drive when taking medications or when you are drowsy.  Fatigued driving can be just as deadly as driving drunk.
• Don’t speed;  plan your trip so that you have plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Don’t drive aggressively (tailgating, failing to yield the right-of-way, and following too closely).
• Make sure children are secure in child car seats or booster seats.

For further information on traffic safety issues, contact the Westchester County Department of Public Works, Traffic Safety Office at 995-2555.