Milford, State Police to Crack Down on Seat Belt Enforcement This Month

The Milford Police Department, along with Massachusetts State Police, will be cracking down on motorists who don't buckle up throughout the month of May. 

The effort is part of the national "Click It Or Ticket" enforcement mobilization, an effort that's federally funded through the Executive Office of Public safety and Security's Highway Safety Division. 

"Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the busy summer driving season," Milford Police Lt. James Falvey said in a statement. "Safety belts and properly-installed child safety seats are your best defense against drunk, aggressive and distracted drivers, as well as your own mistakes."

Starting at 6 p.m. on May 19 and lasting through June 1, Milford and state police will join law enforcement agencies across the East Coast to mobilize the "Border to Border" operation, which aims to provide increased seat belt enforcement at state borders in an effort to send a "zero tolerance" policy to the public. As such, anyone driving or riding unbuckled will receive a ticket, regardless of location or time of day. 

"Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night, when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater," Falvey said. "We want to make this the safest summer possible. Buckling up is not optional; it's the difference between life and death in a crash. That's why we're out enforcing the law. Click It Or Ticket, every time, day or night."

He added, "As we kick off the busy summer driving season, it is crucial that everyone buckles up every time they go out, day and night, no excuses. Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children. Adults must remember that if they don't buckle up, then they can become unguided missiles during a crash and can severely injure other vehicle occupants, especially children."

For more information on the effort, visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.