Click It Or Ticket Campaign Begins In Berlin

BERLIN, CT - Local police and the Connecticut Department of Transportation will mobilize Click It or Ticket starting today that aims to remind motorists and passengers to wear a seatbelt every time they enter a vehicle. The campaign begins today, Monday, November 19.

"During this period Berlin police officers will be conducting occupant safety belt checks at various locations in Town," according to a statement from police. "Our officers will be enforcing state occupant protection laws and issuing citations to those who are unbuckled."

"The intent of this enforcement effort is to remind motorists to always use good highway safety sense, especially during this highly traveled holiday season. During this safe driving campaign, motorists are also reminded that state and local police will also be enforcing speed, cell phone, distracted driving, and DUI laws during the entire holiday driving season."

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year and the increased number of vehicles on the road means an increased likelihood of crashes. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that during the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, there were 341 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation and 49 percent of those killed were not buckled up.

Research also indicates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45 percent. In the last decade, seat belts have saved the lives of more than 100,000 people in the United States.

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