May is ‘Click It Or Ticket’ Month
By PAMELA BRUST, pbrust@newsandsentinel.com
POSTED: May 14, 2008
PARKERSBURG — The month of May has been designated “Click It Or Ticket” Month in an effort to save lives and reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries on West Virginia roads.
Mid-Ohio Valley law enforcement agencies are part of this highly visible initiative, making seat belts a priority during routine traffic stops. As part of the campaign, police receive highway safety grant funds to conduct overtime enforcement as well as set up informational checkpoints throughout the region.
In addition to Wood County police agencies, law enforcement in the cities of St. Marys, Ripley, Ravenswood, West Union and Spencer and counties of Ritchie, Doddridge and Roane will be participating.
As part of the May campaign, three clinics will be conducted to inspect child safety seats for proper installation, to make sure the correct seat is being used, and to check the seat is not on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall list. Seats should not be more than six years old.
Toni Tiano, local highway safety program coordinator, noted fear of entrapment during vehicle fire or submersion is not a valid reason for not wearing seat belts.
“Only one-half of one percent of all crashes end in fire or submersion. Most crash fatalities result from the force of impact or from being thrown from the vehicle, not being trapped. Ejected occupants are four times as likely to be killed as those who remain inside the vehicle,” Tiano said.
“Seat belts should be worn at all times, even on short trips close to home. Three out of four fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home. Most crashes causing death or injury occur at speeds below 40 miles per hour. Seat belts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles today and are estimated to save 9,500 lives each year,” Tiano said.
On May 19, area McDonald’s restaurants, in conjunction with local police and fire officials, will be working the drive-thrus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those coming through the drive-thru at the participating restaurants wearing seat belts will receive a coupon for a free McDonald’s breakfast sandwich along with informational materials. Those not wearing seat belts will receive the informational materials on buckling up.
