Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Reminder--Click It Or Ticket Campaign

Thanksgiving should be a joyous time for families in America but sadly, far too many of these celebrations include alcohol and too often result in tragedy.  The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety and McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like to remind everyone driving on our roadways this holiday season to drive carefully and defensively, to not drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip.

“Safety belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle and they have saved countless lives and prevented untold numbers of injuries over the years,” said Patrick McNulty, MCDH Public Health Administrator.  “We urge everyone driving on our state’s roads this holiday season to drive carefully, don’t drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip, day and night.”

During the Thanksgiving Mobilization, November 14-27, law enforcement will be out in full force throughout Illinois to remind drivers that wearing a safety belt costs you nothing but not wearing it could cost you a ticket – or worse, your life. 

All drivers and passengers, front and back seat, should wear safety belts, day and night.  Statistics show that those least likely to buckle up are teens, young adult males, passengers, motorists driving on rural roads and individuals traveling in pickup trucks – especially during the late-night hours. Late-night hours are when the highest percentage of motorists die in alcohol-involved crashes and the lowest percentage of vehicle occupants are wearing safety belts. 

Remember to buckle up every trip, every time and designate a sober driver.  

MCDH wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit www.buckleupillinois.org

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