National Campaign to Boost Seat Belt Use
The Houston Independent School District Police Department is joining other state and local law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates across the country for the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to crack down on motorists who are not belted. The campaign will run from May 20 to June 2.
“We are committed to ensure the safety of all our students and staff and that means enforcing seatbelt use,” said HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson.
Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year. In 2011 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide. On the other hand, lack of seatbelt use led to a devastating number of deaths that same year. More than half of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide were not wearing seat belts.
“It only takes a couple of seconds to buckle up, and that alone can save someone’s life,” Dotson said. “We urge all of our students, staff, parents and community members to buckle up and help us advocate the importance of seatbelt safety.”
While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, motorists should remember that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.
For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Keeping HISD students safe as they walk or bicycle to school daily cross busy streets is the top priority for crossing guards throughout the district, including for veteran crossing guard Raul Valdez. Named “Crossing Guard of the Year” for 2014 by the Houston Independent School District Police Department, Valdez’s professionalism and dedication to the safety of students, parents, staff and community members didn’t go unnoticed by his supervisors and peers who nominated him for the honor.