The Houston Independent School District Police Department is teaming up with local and state law enforcement agencies and the Texas Department of Transportation for the 13th annual “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign to increase seat belt use among motorists.
From May 19 to June 1, officers statewide and across the nation will kick up efforts to ticket anyone not wearing a seat belt.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all our students,” said HISD Police Chief Robert Mock. “Enforcing seat belt use is a key component of that effort.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seat beat increases the chances of surviving an automobile crash by 45 percent. Since the inception of Click It or Ticket It in 2002, seat belt use has resulted in 3,962 fewer traffic fatalities while preventing 66,823 serious injuries in Texas. In 2013, about 1,500 motorists across the state were killed after failing to use seat belts.
“Your seat belt is your best defense in case of a crash,” Mock said. “Whether you are a driver or a passenger, we urge all of our students, staff, parents and community members to help advocate the importance of seat belt safety.”
Motorists in Texas should be aware that by law, the driver and all passengers in a vehicle must be secured by a seat belt or they could face fines and court costs of up to $200. Drivers also should remember that although this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 19 through June 1, officers are constantly enforcing seat belt laws year-round.
For more on the Texas Department of Transportation’s Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.texasclickitorticketit.com.