Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

'Click-it or Ticket' encourages driving safety

MARQUETTE — Michigan State Police and other local law enforcement officials are reminding the public about the importance of wearing a seatbelt as the Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning is launching a “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign that runs May 16 to June 5.

Lt. Mark Giannunzio, MSP’s public information officer for the U.P. based in Marquette, said they will have extra patrols out in the coming weeks as part of an effort to remind motorists to buckle up.

“In times of a crash you’re much safer with a seatbelt on,” said Giannunzio. “Wearing your seatbelt prevents a lot injuries and event death. We all know that, but this is about reminding people.”

Giannunzio said fastening your seatbelt is an easy thing to do, but also all too easily forgotten.

“We’re looking to beef up awareness across the U.P.,” said Giannunzio. “We have troopers out, overtime shifts used specifically to look for people not wearing their seatbelt.”

He said this is a good time for the program, as the U.P.’s roads get busier in the summer with tourists.

“We see a lot more flow of traffic and locals may not be used to it,” said Giannunzio, a 23-year MSP veteran.

In Michigan, 228 people killed in traffic crashes during 2020 were not wearing a seat belt, according to a press release from the OHSP.

“Wearing a seat belt is the most effective thing drivers can do to reduce injuries and save lives on our roadways,” said Alicia Sledge, OHSP interim director. “The numbers don’t lie. For decades, we have strongly encouraged everyone to buckle up, and that crucial message has saved many lives.

“As the busy summer travel season gets underway, we want to remind drivers and passengers to stay safe and wear a seat belt, every trip, every time.”

During the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were 12 fatal crashes on Michigan roadways that resulted in 12 fatalities. One of the 12 deaths involved a driver not wearing a seat belt.

In Michigan, the seat belt usage rate in 2021 was 92.6%, down from 94.4% in 2019. The national seat belt usage rate in 2021 was 90.4%, according to the release.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved 14,955 lives nationwide in 2017. Seat belts are the single most effective way to stay alive in a crash. According to the NHTSA, buckling up in the front seat can reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash by 45%.

Michigan law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and passengers 15 and younger in any seating position to be buckled up. The fine and associated costs for not wearing a seat belt is $65. Children must be in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, and children under 4 years old must be in the back seat., according to the release.

The OHSP coordinates the “Click It or Ticket” effort, which is supported by federal traffic safety funds.

—Larry Holcombe

 
 
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