Law enforcement officers throughout the state are buckling down on drivers who are not buckling up.
The Department of Transportation is urging motorists to click-it or get a ticket, as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign on the importance of seatbelt safety, beginning May 20 through June 2.
Spokesman Bill Whitfield says drivers who choose to not wear their seatbelt could be cited with a $10 fine, or worse. “The consequence of being unbuckled if you are involved in a crash, is your chances of being severely injured or fatally injured increase,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield says statistically, males, pick-up truck drivers, and teenagers all tend to buckle up less frequently than those who drive cars, vans, or sport utility vehicles. “We know that if seatbelts are properly worn, and worn by all occupants in the vehicle will mitigate the chances of being severely injured or killed,” he said.
Whitfield explains why these groups in particular wear their seatbelts less frequently than others, here. (1:19)
Missouri’s seatbelt use is at 79%, below the national average of 86%.
For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com
AUDIO: Mary Farucci reports. (1:00)