 During the Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" mobilization, May
15-31, motorists can expect an increase in nighttime enforcement,
with more than 180 enforcement zones, in addition to the more than
400 daytime safety belt enforcement zones conducted by law
enforcement agencies throughout the state.During the May
mobilization, Illinois agencies will also be coordinating with their
Missouri and Iowa counterparts to increase traffic safety within
their respective states.
"The Click It or Ticket campaign has proven to be a success every
year, and this time will be no different," said IDOT Secretary Gary
Hannig. "We are doing everything we can to convince motorists to
buckle up every trip, every time to continue to save lives on
Illinois roadways."
An annual survey found that safety belt usage in Illinois
increased from 88 percent in 2006 to 90.5 percent in 2008.
Department of Transportation traffic safety officials also report a
reduction in the number of fatalities, from 1,254 in 2006 to 1,043
in 2008. As of May 10, the provisional number of fatalities in 2009
is 271.
"Motorists are at risk of being involved in a traffic crash
whether running an errand close to home or driving on an expressway
or interstate. No matter the destination, always using your safety
belt saves lives," said Jonathon Monken, Illinois State Police
director.
Wearing a safety belt is the most effective way to reduce
injuries and fatalities in a crash because it provides protection
from being ejected and keeps motorists from smashing into
windshields, dashboards and other passengers.
"Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, and not wearing it can
cost you everything," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive
committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
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"The Iowa State Patrol is eager to partner with our fellow state law
enforcement agencies in the upcoming Click It or Ticket campaign,"
said Iowa State Patrol Col. Patrick Hoye. "We are committed to
strong traffic enforcement with an emphasis on seat belts, speed and
impaired driving. We believe it will reduce fatalities on our
highways."
In addition to the Iowa State Patrol, more than 220 local law
enforcement agencies across Iowa will participate in the Memorial
Day Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Wave campaign, centered on
high-traffic holiday periods.
This year's IDOT Division of Traffic Safety media campaign was
released Monday and will run through May 25 on various cable,
network television, radio, online and alternative media outlets.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Transportation
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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