Ford Iroquois Public Health Department Urges Travelers to Buckle Up

–As motorists take to the roadways this Memorial Day holiday, police are urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning May 10, over 500 Illinois law enforcement agencies will join the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and traffic safety advocates in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

“Seat belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle. They have saved countless lives and prevented countless numbers of injuries over the years,” said Sandra Saak, Child Passenger Safety Technician at Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department. “I urge everyone driving on our state’s roadways this summer to drive carefully, do not drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up, every trip, every time, day or night.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

“Seat belts clearly save lives. But, unfortunately, too many people still need to be reminded. Law enforcement will be out in force, day and night, ticketing those who are not buckled up,” said Saak.

Remember - May 10 to May 27 is the Illinois Click It or Ticket campaign. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Wearing your safety belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.

For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, please visit www.buckleupillinois.org

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