Attention All Drivers in NJ:

The following is a message from North Arlington Police Chief Louis M. Ghione, regarding: Safety Belt Enforcement and Education to be conducted locally as part of nationwide Click It or Ticket mobilization May 22-24, 2006:

From May 22 – June 4, 2006 law enforcement officers throughout New Jersey will be stepping up enforcement and education of the state’s Primary Seat Belt Law.  The enforcement and education campaign comes as part of the nationwide Click It or Ticket mobilization.

The goal of the program is to increase the statewide safety belt usage to 88%.  The current safety belt usage rate in New Jersey is 86%, and the rate has steadily risen during the last eight years.

In 2005, there were 757 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey, a large percentage of which were not wearing a safety belt.  Safety belt use saves lives and prevents injuries.  Between 1975 and 2000, safety belts prevented 135,000 fatalities and 3.8 million injuries nationwide, saving $585 billion in medical and other costs.

Safety belt use is especially important for teens and young adults.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 15 to 34 in the United States. 

During the mobilization period from May 22 – June 4, local police agencies will conduct a zero tolerance safety belt enforcement campaign.  Motorists who are not buckled up will be issued a ticket.  In addition, concerted efforts are going on locally and statewide to raise awareness about the importance and life-saving benefits of safety belts.  

Very truly yours,
 

LOUIS M. GHIONE
Chief of Police