VERO BEACH – The Vero Beach Police Department will be stepping up its enforcement of seatbelts during overnight hours now through Nov. 29.
“Nighttime drivers and passengers continue to be among those least likely to wear seat belts,” Police Chief Don Dappen said. “Consequently, they are also among those most likely to die in motor vehicle crashes.” The increased enforcement is part of the Click It or Ticket 2010 Campaign.
In 2008, 12,671 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 64 percent of those who died were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crashes, compared to less than half – 45 percent – of the passenger vehicle occupants killed during the daytime hours of 6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.
The Vero Beach Police Department joins hundreds of law enforcement officials, highway safety representatives and safety advocates nationwide who have vowed support of the annual mobilization.
“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket activities that will take place around the clock,” the department said. “If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket – not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions.”
