RALEIGH — Last year, 397 unbuckled motorists died in crashes on North Carolina roads. In an effort to decrease this number of fatalities, NCDOT Secretary Gene Conti today announced the launch of the statewide Thanksgiving “Click It or Ticket” campaign to crack down on motorists who are not wearing their seat belts.
State and local law enforcement officers across the state will increase seat belt enforcement activities during the campaign, which runs through Nov. 25.
“We want everyone to make it home safely, not only during the holidays, but all year long,” said Secretary Conti. “So buckle up, and make sure your passengers are buckled up, also.”
In 2011, the Research Triangle Institute reported that North Carolina’s seat belt usage rate was 88.7 percent. The state’s usage rate was 65 percent when the program started in 1993.
“Click It or Ticket” is administered by the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program. For more information regarding “Click It or Ticket” activities, contact Assistant Director Don Nail at (919) 733-3083, or visit the GHSP website.
