This year’s effort runs through June 1.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ALLENTOWN — Borough police have been awarded a grant, as part of a national campaign, to crackdown on unbuckled motorists and passengers.
Like their fellow officers in communities throughout the state and the country, Allentown police are participating in the annual "Click It or Ticket" mobilization starting May 19.
Through the initiative, police will conduct seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, according to an Allentown Police Department release. In addition, local and national publicity will be utilized to ensure that drivers and passengers are aware and recognize the life-saving value of seat belts.
"Using a seat belt is the simplest way for a driver and his or her passengers to protect themselves when travelling," Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Gary Poedubicky said in the release. "In 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.
As it relates to the state of New Jersey, the front seat belt rate usage currently stands at 91 percent. Acting Director Poedubicky said the goal of this year’s campaign is to increase that rate by at least one percentage point.
"To meet our goal," he said. "We must continue both enforcement and public outreach efforts that educate all motor vehicle occupants about the importance of buckling up."
He added the campaign seeks to address back seat passengers as well, noting current statistics state adult back seat belt use is only approximately 44 percent.
During last year’s efforts, in which 422 police agencies participated, 26,049 seat belt citations and 4,895 speeding summonses were made, according to the release.
In addition, police conducted 860 drunk driving arrests during the two-week initiative.
This year’s effort runs through June 1.