Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police Stress the Importance of Safety Belt Use

SPRINGFIELD -  The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) are teaming up with more than 500 local law enforcement agencies to conduct aggressive safety belt enforcement efforts throughout the state of Illinois.  During the Memorial Day "Click it or Ticket" mobilization, May 15-31, motorists can expect an increase in nighttime enforcement with more than 180 enforcement zones in addition to the more than 400 daytime safety belt enforcement zones conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.  During the May mobilization, Illinois agencies will also be coordinating with their Missouri and Iowa counterparts to increase traffic safety within their respective states.

"The Click It or Ticket campaign has proven to be a success every year and this time will be no different," said IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig.  "We are doing everything we can to convince motorists to buckle up every trip, every time to continue to save lives on Illinois roadways."

An annual survey found that safety belt usage in Illinois increased from 88 percent in 2006 to 90.5 percent in 2008.  IDOT/DTS officials also report a reduction in the number of fatalities from 1,254 in 2006 to 1,043 in 2008.  As of May 10, the provisional number of fatalities in 2009 is 271. 

"Motorists are at risk of being involved in a traffic crash whether running an errand close to home or driving on an expressway or interstate.  No matter the destination, always using your safety belt saves lives," ISP Director Jonathon Monken said.

Wearing a safety belt is the most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities in a crash because it provides protection from being ejected and keeps motorists from smashing into windshields, dashboards and other passengers. 

"Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing and not wearing it can cost you everything," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.

"The Iowa State Patrol is eager to partner with our fellow state law enforcement agencies in the upcoming Click It or Ticket campaign," said Iowa State Patrol Colonel Patrick Hoye.  "We are committed to strong traffic enforcement with an emphasis on seatbelts, speed and impaired driving.  We believe it will reduce fatalities on our highways."

In addition to the Iowa State Patrol, there will be more than 220 local law enforcement agencies across Iowa participating in the Memorial Day Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Wave campaign centered on high-traffic holiday periods.

This year's IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety's (DTS) media campaign was released May 11th  and will run through May 25th on various cable, network television, radio, interactive (online) and alternative media outlets.