Over 50 Citations, Several Arrests During Memorial Day Campaign

From Evanston Police Department: Between May 18 and May 29, the Evanston Police Department participated in the annual Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat-belt enforcement campaign, bringing awareness to area residents and writing 35 citations for seat-belt violations in the process. The campaign, which coincided with one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, sought to stress the importance of seat-belt use through enforcement and community outreach.

“It was a successful campaign, and we believe through our enforcement efforts, we helped save lives and raise awareness in our community,” said Traffic Sergeant Williams. “We know seat belts save lives in vehicle crashes. Issuing tickets was not our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of such a simple action.”

Illinois’ seat-belt use rate is 93.8 percent, but unbelted occupants disproportionately account for over half of those killed in traffic crashes. This Click It or Ticket campaign aims to change the behavior of the millions of people who still don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every vehicle occupant was properly restrained when traveling on the road.

During the eleven-day mobilization, Evanston Police issued:

• 35 seat belt citations
• Three child car seat citations
• Four DUI arrests
• Two felony arrests
• 14 cell phone violations
• One illegal transportation open alcohol
• Four no driver's licenses
• Four uninsured motorists
• Five speeding citations
• One drug arrest
• 24 other citations

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit www.BuckleUpIllinois.org.

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