For Immediate Release:
May 15, 2019

Contact:
Tim Weisberg
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
timothy.weisberg@ots.ca.gov
(916) 509-3020

The OTS urges public to always buckle up
Click It or Ticket campaign starts May 20

Elk Grove, Calif. – As thousands of drivers across the state prepare to hit the road for the busy Memorial Day weekend, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reminds the traveling public to always buckle up and wear a seat belt.

From May 20 to June 2, law enforcement agencies statewide will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belt, as well as children who are not secured in a child safety seat.

The enforcement effort is part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign aimed at saving lives through increased seat belt use.

“Buckling up only takes a few seconds, and is your best protection in the event of a crash,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said. “It’s hard to believe people continue to ride without wearing a seat belt, but it shows that education and enforcement is still needed to ensure people remain safe on the road.”

At 96.2%, California has one of the highest seat belt use rates in the nation, but that number is down from 96.5% in 2016.

In California, the fine for a seat belt violation is $162. The fine for failing to secure a child in a proper safety seat is $490. California has a primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement officers to ticket someone for not wearing a seat belt without committing any other traffic violation.

California law requires children under two years old, 40 pounds and 40 inches to ride in a rear-facing seat. Children under the age of eight or under 4’9” are required to be secured in a car or booster seat.

“Children are our future, and it’s important that they are as safe as possible while riding in the car,” Director Craft said.

The OTS recently launched a new campaign, “Go Safely, California,” which serves as a resource for Californians to stay safe on the go. To learn more about the campaign, visit gosafelyca.org.

The OTS administers funding for traffic safety programs statewide with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

 


 

 

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