NEWS RELEASE

"All Hands On Deck" for the Spring Nighttime Seat Belt Patrols

Localized versions of this news release were distributed statewide - customized by location.

May 11, 2009

In a show of solidarity, nearly every law enforcement agency participating in the Nighttime Seat Belt patrols, will have officers out on the roadways on Thursday, May 21 – the official start date of the spring enforcement patrols.

“It is important for our state’s law enforcement officers to show their commitment for these patrols and for putting an end to needless and preventable deaths and injuries as a result of crashes in which the driver or passengers were unbuckled,” said Lowell Porter, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Who Is Participating?

Statewide, approximately 70 law enforcement agencies are participating in the Nighttime Seat Belt patrols between May 21 and June 7.

Why do the Patrols Take Place at Nighttime?

Research shows that approximately 80% of Washington traffic occurs during the day, and only 12-20% occurs at night. Even with this difference in traffic volume, the number of people killed at night in traffic collisions is about the same as the number of people killed during the day. This means that the death rate at night is four times higher than during the day.

Who Still Isn’t Buckling Up?

According to a study conducted by the University of North Carolina, unbuckled drivers are more likely to be male, have less education, have numerous traffic violations on their records (DUI, running red lights, following too closely, speeding), and have no health insurance. The percentage of unbelted drivers without health insurance was higher by a ratio of two to one. (UNC)

What else is Happening During the Patrols?

During the campaign, in a variety of communities throughout the state, the Click it or Ticket message takes to the skies as an aerial banner will be flown over events to remind  motorists to  buckle up as soon as they get in the car – Click It or Ticket!