‘Click It or Ticket’ or worse Published May 23, 2007 By Roger Drinnon Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command safety officials re-emphasize the requirement for Air Force personnel to wear safety belts when driving, as the 101 Critical Days of Summer approach. "Seatbelts are your best protection against the (potential) driving failures of both yourself and others," said Wayne Bendall, AMC occupational safety and health specialist. "We encourage everyone to wear seatbelts, especially during the high-risk season of the 101 Critical Days of Summer," he continued. "Restraining you in an accident is the most important benefit in wearing them. Avoiding the costs of off-base traffic tickets resulting from the nation-wide 'Click It or Ticket' campaign is an added benefit." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Click It or Ticket program began May 14 and runs through June 3. The program encourages states to make seatbelt laws primary laws, allowing law enforcement officers to make traffic stops solely upon sight of a driver or front-seat passenger not wearing a safety belt. "This is a great program to promote regular seatbelt use -- the single, most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes," said Master Sgt. Brian Weaver, AMC installation security action officer. "When worn correctly, seatbelt use has been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat car (drivers and) passengers by 45 percent and by 60 percent in pick-up trucks, SUVs and minivans." More states continue to adopt primary legislation mandating seatbelt use, according to the NHTSA. Illinois is one, and civilian law enforcement agencies are on the lookout, especially during high-traffic weekends such as the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. In addition to the risks of death or injury taken by offenders, drivers also are subject to $55 fines for each offense, including a fine for the driver if the front seat passenger is seen not wearing a seatbelt. "Seatbelt use has increased to 88 percent in Illinois," said Brian Copple, state trooper. "Fatality rates have lowered -- there's a direct correlation to wearing seatbelts and surviving traffic accidents." Mr. Bendall cautioned against complacency despite the lowering fatality statistics. "Motor vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of death to our military members each summer," he said. "Of the 18 Air Force members who died during last year's campaign, seven were the result of automobile accidents -- four of those seven victims failed to wear seatbelts." Trooper Copple said traffic-related fatalities are likely to increase during holiday weekends like Memorial Day weekend, as more drivers are on the road. "We don't want to write your ticket, and we certainly don't want to notify your relatives of your death -- please buckle up," he said.
