Barrington Police Joining 'Click It or Ticket' Mobilization

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross says: “Buckle up.”

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 25, Barrington police will be joining other law enforcement officials planning to be out in full force for the national “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement mobilization.

“As we kick off  the busy holiday driving season it’s important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night – no excuses,” said LaCross. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seatbelt – Click It or Ticket.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, LaCross said in a press release.

Deaths involving people who do not wear a seatbelt also are more prevalent at night than during the daytime, he said.  According to NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. 

“Seatbelts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said LaCross.  “We want everyone to have a safe holiday season, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists – clicking that seatbelt.” 

For more information on the national Click It or Ticket campaign, visit the highway safety administration website.