Seat-belt enforcement effort under way in Plainsboro, West Windsor

‘Click It or Ticket’ to extend through June 5

   Police in Plainsboro and West Windsor are joining other area law enforcement agencies taking part in the nationwide "Click It or Ticket" seat-belt enforcement campaign through June 5.
   The program’s goal is to increase the statewide safety belt usage rate to 84 percent. The current safety-belt usage rate in New Jersey is 82 percent.
   "High visibility enforcement saves lives," said Roberto Rodriguez, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Our goal is to make sure that all motor-vehicle occupants are properly restrained — on every trip."
   During the mobilization period, police agencies will conduct a zero-tolerance safety-belt enforcement campaign. Motorists who are not buckled up will be issued a ticket. Officers also will enforce the child safety restraint laws as appropriate.
   In 2003, there were 747 motor-vehicle fatalities in New Jersey. More than half of the motor-vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a safety belt.
   The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety funds this project through federal grants.