The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (May 16, 2013) – This week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that a 14-day statewide “Buckle Up New York” campaign to crack down on drivers and their passengers who are not wearing seat belts will be conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout New York State from May 20 through June 2.

“The importance of wearing a seat belt is clear – seat belts save lives," said Governor Cuomo. “Taking a few seconds to fasten your seat belt or to properly secure a child’s safety seat is the easiest thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe.”

According to the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. NHTSA also reports that in 2011 seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide including 444 in New York State. 

“Buckle Up New York” is part of the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign. During this year’s campaign, law enforcement agencies that share state borders will team up in what is being called “Operation Border to Border” to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a zero tolerance message that driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what state you are in.

“Buckling up is the easiest way to prevent injuries and fatalities should you become involved in a crash,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Barbara J. Fiala. “In New York State, we have had a seat belt compliance rate of 90 or better for the past three years. However, we won’t be satisfied until every driver and passenger buckles up – every time.”

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Seat belts save lives in New York State. By using safety belts and child safety seats properly, operators and passengers dramatically reduce their risk of severe injury or death when in a motor vehicle crash. For more than two decades, the New York State Police have been stressing the importance of safety restraint use in motor vehicles. We will continue to do our part to reduce senseless injuries and deaths that result from not buckling up and remind drivers to click it or they will get a ticket.” 

Regional Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Thomas Louizou said, “Click It or Ticket is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping to increase the national seat belt usage rate. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple – Click It or Ticket.”