ITD, ISP partner on Memorial Holiday seatbelt campaign

ITD and the Idaho State Police remind motorists to "Click It” rather than risking a ticket, or worse, a tragic and preventable incident on Idaho highways. To enforce this reminder, ISP is stepping up enforcement of Idaho's seatbelt law through Sunday, June 1.  

ISP's efforts are part of a larger, national "Click It or Ticket" mobilization to encourage motorists to buckle up as they venture onto the roads to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend. 

Last year, 97 unrestrained people were killed in Idaho traffic crashes. In addition, not wearing a seat belt has a societal cost - $605 million in 2012 in Idaho alone.

Many people may think that they don’t need to buckle up - that they are invincible. They are not.

Recent U.S. DOT estimates show that more than 12,000 lives were saved nationwide because they were restrained, and another 3,000 lives could have been saved if the individual had been properly restrained.

“Nearly eight out of ten Idahoans are buckling up because it’s the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. And, it’s the right thing to do for your family and community,” said Sherry Jenkins, with ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “Failing to wear a seat belt puts you and your passengers at risk for serious injury or death.”

State law requires all vehicle occupants to be properly restrained, no matter where they are seated. Fines for violating Idaho’s safety restraint laws range from $10 to $69.

“The people killed are not just numbers. They were family members that never made it home,” explained Jenkins. “They leave behind families who mourn their loss.”

Young adults are dying at a disproportionate rate because they are not wearing seat belts. Men are dying in vehicle crashes twice as often as women, and wearing their seat belts less than women. Many pickup truck occupants think they don’t need to wear their seat belts because their large vehicle will protect them in a crash. They are dying as well.

More than 75 Idaho law enforcement agencies will participate in the high-visibility mobilization effort with officers dedicating extra hours to educate citizens and to strictly enforce the state’s safety restraint law during the 14-day period that includes Memorial Day.

The national safety restraint use rate rose to 87 percent in 2013, while Idaho’s use rate was 79 percent.

"Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer vacation season, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound," said ISP Lt. Allen Oswald. "If you are not wearing your seat belt and you are stopped by one of our troopers, do not expect a warning.  Drivers and passengers older than 18 that are not buckled will receive separate tickets."

According to new data released from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities are up nationwide for the first time in five years. 

Published 5-23-14