Motorists who refuse to wear their seat belts, beware. That’s the message from Waterbury Police Chief Michael Gugliotti, who today announced that Waterbury police officers will participate in the national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization beginning December 3rd. The Waterbury Police Department will join forces with other local & state law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce seat belt laws around the clock.
Although seat belt use saves thousands of lives across the U.S. each year, too many motorists may need a tough reminder. In 2010, 22,187 vehicle occupants were killed in crashes and 51% of them weren’t wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes. And younger motorists are particularly at risk, as data indicates that in 2010, in fatal crashes involving those aged 18-34, 62% of them were not buckled up at the time of the crash, the highest percentage of any age group.
With this in mind, Chief Gugliotti issued a stern warning; “We’ll be out there doing our part to keep this a safe Holiday season on Waterbury roads. My officers are prepared to ticket anyone not buckled up, no warnings and no excuses. So click it or ticket.”