Ill. State Police: This Thanksgiving, Buckle Up or Pay Up! | News

MACOMB, Ill.--The Thanksgiving holiday period is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and to help save lives on our roadways Illinois State Police (ISP) District 14 Troopers will be teaming with other state and local law enforcement officers from across the country to strongly enforce local seat belt laws. 

During the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday, 337 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide, and a staggering 55 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash. 

“Too many people are not getting the message, so we’ll be out in force during this long travel weekend, with a simple goal— to strictly enforce the law in order to save more lives,” said Trooper Ed Howard, ISP District 14, Safety Education Officer. “If you are caught not wearing your seatbelt, you will be stopped and you will be given a ticket.”

So far this year in the five counties of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren, which comprise ISP District 14, there have been 10 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 10 traffic deaths.  Of those who died, 67 percent were not wearing their seat belts, in crashes where seat belt use was known or required.  Additionally, 50 percent of those who were not wearing their seat belts and were killed were ejected from the vehicle.

“During this Thanksgiving holiday, many more people are on the road traveling to visit friends and family. So whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, one of the best ways to ensure a safe arrival is to always buckle up,” said Trooper Howard.  “But if you break the law and are caught not wearing your seat belt, you will face the consequences.”

Trooper Howard said more unbelted fatalities occur at night, and especially at busy travel times, such as Thanksgiving. 

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 64 percent of nighttime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants, while only 41 percent of daytime fatalities involved unbelted passenger vehicle occupants.

“Throughout the year, but especially during busy travel times like the Thanksgiving holiday, we will be cracking down on those who don’t buckle up, to help save lives and prevent injuries,” said Trooper Howard.  “Please remember to always wear your seat belt so you can spend the holidays celebrating with your loved ones and not worrying about the cost of a ticket, because we will be out in force, Click It or Ticket.”

One Fatality is One too many. The ISP is committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality.

Submitted Press Release