Strict Seat Belt Enforcement Begins Monday

The following is an edited press release from the Attleboro Police Department:

As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Chief Kyle Heagney and the Attleboro Police Department are urging everyone to buckle up. The APD, in partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's (EOPSS) Highway Safety Division (HSD) and local departments throughout Massachusetts will take part in the 2013 Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement program from May 20 to June 2, and crack down on motorists who are not belted.

"As we kick off the busy summer driving season, it's important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night—no excuses,” said Attleboro police Capt. Barry Brewer, who is overseeing the program for the department. "Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up. We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists—clicking that seat belt, every trip, every time."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were unbelted at the time of the crash. Those deaths were more prevalent at night than during the daytime. 

Tragically, these national statistics are similar at the local level. According to the NHTSA, 54 percent of people killed in passenger motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2011 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

NHTSA estimates 11,949 lives nationwide were saved by using seatbelts. This year's Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2 but officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

For more on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, go to www.mass.gov/highwaysafety or contact the Attleboro Police Department at 508-222-1212. Residents and motorists are also encouraged to visit the Attleboro Police Department website at www.attleboropolice.org.