By Anna Skinner
Residents in Westfield and across the country can expect more police officers on patrol looking for seat belt violations. “Click It or Ticket,” a program funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, will place more officers out on the streets May 18 to 31 to specifically search for seat belt violations.
Officers will also be checking to make sure children are safely buckled in to their car seats.
“Wearing your seat belt can increase your chance of surviving a crash by more than 50 percent,” said Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen. “This campaign provides us the opportunity to increase the conversation and focus patrols toward unrestrained driving. We want to remind drivers and their occupants that if we see you unbelted, we will pull you over.”
Residents are on-board for the safety enforcement.
“I believe it is a necessary addition to our city’s safety program, to ensure the quality of care for our city’s residents and guests,” said Westfield resident J.R. Noller.
Westfield resident Natalie Damiani said she thinks the program is great.
“Seatbelts are so important in keeping people safe, especially in construction zones, or when people aren’t paying attention,” Damiani said.
Surrounding communities are also part of this month’s patrol.
“Certainly safety is the key,” said Zionsville Police Department Capt. Robert Musgrave. “You’re 50 percent more likely to survive an accident with your seat belt on than with it off.”
Most accidents take place at speeds of less than 40 miles per hour and within 25 miles of home, he said.
“We just want people to be aware and more conscience. They may not be going very far, but they can still be involved in an accident,” Capt. Musgrave said.
Learn more about “Click It or Ticket” at www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/ciot/index.html.
