As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Vermont law enforcement is urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning this week, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, taking part in the 2017 National Click It or Ticket (CIOT) seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.
“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is critical that everyone buckles up every time they go out, day and night — no excuses,” said Sgt. Allen A Fortin, Northern CIOT Task Force Leader. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children — click it or ticket.”
Vermont law enforcement agencies and the Vermont Click It or Ticket task force will be using roving patrols and checkpoints on roadways identified as having higher unbelted crash rates. They will be enforcing against aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving and impaired operation during this period. These behaviors are the leading causes of serious crashes and for those motorists they encounter, wearing seat belts will not be optional.
“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said Tom Fields from the governor’s highway safety office. “We want to make this the safest summer possible. Buckling up is not optional; it’s the difference between life and death in a crash. That’s why we’re out here enforcing the law. Click it or ticket, every time, day or night.”
