BLAINE, Minn. – Local law enforcement agencies are issuing a reminder to motorists and passengers alike—Click it or Ticket. Extra patrols across the state will take to the road the week of May 20 – June 2, looking for drivers and passengers who aren’t wearing their seat belts.
For those who do get caught,the ticket comes to about $120 with court fees, and applies to passengers in a vehicle as well as drivers.
In the event of a crash, the odds of being injured are six times greater for a person not wearing a seat belt. Blaine Police Sergeant Jeff Warner added that people who do not buckle up are not just endangering themselves; he says that in the event of a crash, unbuckled passengers can act as “human projectiles”, becoming hazardous to other passengers in the vehicle.
The state of Minnesota saw 864 traffic deaths over the last three years. 352 of the individuals killed in traffic accidents were not wearing seat belts. 41% of that group was between the ages of 16 and 29. Sergeant Warner says the reasons for not wearing a seat belt range from discomfort to habit, but says that the minor inconvenience could turn out to be a major lifesaver.
Buckling up is for all ages, including infants. A child is ready for an adult seat belt when they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat with their feet touching the floor. Until then, booster or car seats are required by law.
In order to be effective, seatbelts must be worn properly, meaning they are low and snug across the hips. Remember, shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind your back. Sergeant Warner reminds everyone that the objective of Click it or Ticket isn’t to give tickets, but ultimately to promote safety.
