The Desert Hot Springs police announced the “Click It or Ticket” program will pick-up speed during the holiday season. The program hopes to prevent crash fatalities by encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up. The campaign started 5 years ago in California, and since that time the state’s safety belt usage has risen from 92.5% to 96.2%, stated the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Despite this positive growth, 1.5 million Californians still aren’t buckling up for safety, and more than 35 people daily are killed nationally during the holiday season due to not wearing a seat belt. The penalty in California for not wearing a seat belt is $142. If a child under age 16 is not properly restrained, a parent could face fines up to $445.
“Sadly, the holidays, which for many are the happiest time of the year, are also the deadliest and most tragic,” said Police Chief Pat Williams. “No one wants to start the holidays off wrong with a ticket. Save your money for turkey and buying presents for loved ones. Don’t throw it away simply because you failed to buckle up.”
The program, funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, is used by over 100 law enforcement agencies in California along with the California Highway Patrol. As a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, it is great to see the CHP and law enforcement is utilizing an effective program to prevent injuries and fatalities due to a car accident.
