Troop K to participate in “Click It or Ticket – Border-to-Border” campaign

Pleasant Valley, New York – Major Robin H. Benziger, Troop K Commander, announces that Troopers from Troop K will be joining forces with local and county law enforcement officials to ensure that motorists begin the summer travel season buckled-up.  The high visibility enforcement will commence on May 18, 2015 and conclude on May 31, 2015.Occupant safety is a year-round traffic safety priority for the State Police, but Troopers will be focusing special attention on education and enforcement during this initiative.

Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year. NHTSA statistics show that in 2012 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,174 lives nationwide.  In 2012, 21,667 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes, and 51 percent of them were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.

“Troopers see, first-hand, the dramatic effect that seatbelt and child seat use can have in the accidents that they investigate.  The difference between a survivable crash and one with devastating consequences can be as simple as using the safety restraints available in every vehicle,” said Major Benziger.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said, “Statistics show that wearing a seat belt saves lives and reduces the number of crash-related injuries. Safety restraints are not an option in New York. If a Trooper spots a driver or front seat passenger without a belt in your car, or a child improperly restrained, the Trooper will issue a ticket. The New York State Police want everyone to arrive to their destination safely.”

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Occupant+Protection