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Click-it-or-Ticket under way through Memorial Day
In Mississippi, the average person is more than three and one-half times as likely to die not wearing their seat belt than the average American, according to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"This is a serious issue in Mississippi. The high unbuckled fatality rate in this state is a substantial threat to its citizens. Simply put, Mississippians face a much greater risk of dying unbuckled than do Americans in general," said Shirley Thomas, director of the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety.
Increasing the use of seat belts is one of the most cost-effective methods to reduce death and injury. That's why many law enforcement and safety leaders across the state are united in getting more Mississippians to buckle up day and night. The “Click It Or Ticket” Memorial Day Campaign launched will continue through Memorial Day.
Historically, most of the drivers and passengers who die in traffic crashes were not belted. Although seat belts cannot save all people, it is estimated that wearing seat belts could have saved 65 percent of those who died.
According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, in Mississippi the unrestrained death rate was down by not quite 26 percent, compared to the 37 percent nationally.
Though behind the national average, Mississippi's seat belt usage has increased from 71.3% in 2008 to 81.88% in 2011. As a result, traffic fatalities have decreased by 19.5% statewide from 783 in 2008 to 630 in 2011.
In 2010 in Mississippi, 65 percent of African Americans killed in traffic crashes were not wearing their seat belt; 86 percent of children ages 10-14 killed in traffic crashes were not wearing their seat belt; and 81 percent of teens ages 15-19 killed in traffic crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
Traffic enforcement not only saves lives, it also supplements many criminal enforcement activities. Additionally, traffic crashes cost the state more than $2 billion annually, approximately $740 per person.
The “Click It or Ticket” enforcement and media campaign kicked off May 14, 2012, and will run through Memorial Day. This blitz has been vital in raising awareness for Mississippi’s primary seatbelt law, which was passed in 2006. Since its passage, seatbelt violations have increased every year. In 2011, 26,375 seatbelt citations were issued statewide.
The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, is responsible for increasing awareness across the state during the annual campaign.
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