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The annual campaign — which includes high visibility law enforcement seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols — aims to reinforce that the restraints save lives.
“Using a seat belt is the simplest way for a driver and his or her passengers to protect themselves when traveling,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “In 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.”
The front seat belt usage rate in New Jersey currently stands at 91%.
However, rear seat belt use is at only 44%, despite laws requiring it.
“To meet our goal, we must continue both enforcement and public outreach efforts that educate all motor vehicle occupants about the importance of buckling up, every ride,” he said.
The current campaign continues through June 1.
During the 2013 “Click it or Ticket” campaign, 422 police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. They issued 26,049 seat belt citations, 4,895 speeding summonses and made 860 drunk driving arrests.
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