Newtown Police Department's 'Click It or Ticket' Enforcement Campaign Begins May 23

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Police Department said they are beginning their "Click It or Ticket" enforcement campaign on May 23, 2016 just prior to the Memorial Day holiday.

From May 23 through June 5, 2016 Newtown Police will be out in full force, taking part in the 2016 National “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on drivers who are not buckled up.

"Over the years, Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization has saved thousands of lives, with the help of law enforcement officers, highway safety officials and safety advocates across the country. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of other motorists and passengers still aren’t getting the message," police said.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that seat belt use at night continues to be lower than during the day.

"We've made great strides in getting people to buckle up since the first seat belt campaign was launched in 1985, but we still have work to do," said Secretary LaHood. "The 'Click it or Ticket' program builds on those earlier efforts – sharing the message that seat belts save lives."

According to NHTSA, 62 percent of motorists who died in a crash that occurred at night were unrestrained compared to 43 percent of those who died in a crash during the day. During the Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement focuses on both day and night time drivers for seat belt use.

The Newtown Police Department will be increasing high-visibility belt enforcement efforts to save more lives. Newtown motorists can expect to see an increase in officers helping save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock including at night.

"It’s a simple fix to save your life and the life of a loved one. Encourage your loved ones to always buckle up," police said.