Major Kevin G. Molinari, New York State Police Troop C Commander, has announced that troopers issued 2857 tickets for violation of the state’s mandatory seatbelt laws during the recent two-week enforcement mobilization, May 23rd to June 5th.
During the two-week zero tolerance Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket enforcement effort, troopers joined with local police and sheriffs’ departments statewide to increase seatbelt use in advance of the summer travel season.
In addition to the 2857 seatbelt tickets issued, troopers made 45 DWI arrests and ticketed 530 drivers for speeding during the two-week period.
New York law enforcement agencies have been conducting the Buckle Up New York effort each Memorial Day since 1999.
Prior to the campaign, fewer than 75% of New York State motorists were using safety belts.
The continual enforcement and education efforts have steadily increased belt use to more than 90% today.
As a result, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles records indicate that unbelted traffic fatalities have dropped 73%, from 485 deaths in 1998, to 129 in 2009.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that seatbelts alone reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45% for front seat passenger car occupants – and by 60% for pickup truck, SUV, and van occupants.
Troopers focused much of their efforts this year on nighttime seatbelt use, in an attempt to ensure that motorists were buckled up day and night.
