MONROE — Law enforcement officers from the Monroe Township Police Department will be cracking down on unbuckled motorists and their passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign.
Beginning May 23 and running through June 5, the annual initiative includes high-visibility law enforcement seatbelt checkpoints and saturation patrols as well as local and national publicity designed to ensure drivers and passengers recognize the lifesaving value of seatbelts.
”Using a seatbelt is the simplest way for a motorist and his or her passenger to protect themselves when on the road,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Motor vehicle occupants who buckle up increase their chances of surviving a crash by as much as 75 percent.”
Last year, the front seatbelt usage rate in New Jersey rose for the 14th consecutive year to 93.73 percent.
Mr. Poedubicky added the campaign will focus on rear seat passengers as well. New legislation requiring adult rear seat passengers to buckle up became law earlier last year. Currently, adult back seat belt use stands at only 27 percent.
During the “2010 Click it or Ticket” campaign, 406 police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. As a result of the effort, law enforcement officers issued 35,671 seat belt citations, 5,832 speeding summonses and 592 drunken driving arrests.
During the mobilization period, the Monroe Township Police Department will conduct a zero tolerance seatbelt enforcement campaign. Motorists who are not buckled up will be issued a ticket.
In addition, concerted efforts are going on statewide to raise awareness about the importance and lifesaving benefits of seatbelts.

