Algonquin police to reinforce safety belt usage
The Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety is proud that Illinois has a 90.1 percent daytime safety belt usage rate. Illinois is one of only 10 states in the nation with more than 90 percent daytime safety belt compliance.
The Algonquin Police Department is joining more than 400 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois to further reduce highway fatalities by reminding motorists they have to buckle up both day and night.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belt usage goes down by approximately 10 percent at night. In 2006, 54 percent of all fatal crashes in Illinois occurred between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
To remind motorists of the importance of safety belt use at all times, the Algonquin Police Department will be cracking down on unbuckled motorists during the largest Click It or Ticket mobilization in Illinois history. Law enforcement agencies across the state have been challenged by IDOT/DTS to conduct at least 25 percent of their safety belt enforcement during the night.
"If you are using your vehicle this summer, whether it's a short trip to the grocery store, or a long-haul across the state, if you aren't buckled up, you will get a ticket," said Strategic Traffic Sergeant Wade Merritt. "Of course you should buckle up every trip, every time throughout the year, but this summer you risk not only your life, but getting a ticket if you and your passengers aren't buckled up both day and night."
The Click it or Ticket mobilization coincides with the Memorial Day holiday and will runs now through to June 1.
In 2007, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety, there were 11 motor vehicle fatalities and 834 injuries over the busy Memorial Day weekend.
"Many of those fatalities and injuries could have been prevented by simply wearing a safety belt" said Sgt. Merritt. "Buckling up is the simplest act to save your life. Law enforcement will be out in force reminding motorists to Click It or Ticket."