Troopers Launch Seatbelt Blitz for Thanksgiving

(Oneida – Nov. 16, 2009) Major Donald L.X. DePass, Jr., Troop Commander, Troop D, announced the start of New York’s latest zero-tolerance seat belt enforcement blitz, being conducted as part of the ongoing Buckle Up New York – Click It or Ticket campaign. The goal is to get more drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip, every time and ultimately save lives.

Throughout the Thanksgiving holiday period, troopers, deputies, and local police agencies across New York state will conduct safety restraint checkpoints and dedicated roving patrols in this effort.

“Thanksgiving travel can be dangerous, and seat belts are the best defense against crash-related injuries and fatalities,” said DePass. “I’m urging everyone to avoid alcohol if driving, make sure everyone is buckled up every time, and to exercise caution driving on our state’s roadways this holiday period. Law enforcement will be out in force to protect the safety of our roads and highways.”

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend traditionally kicks off the winter travel season in New York and is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year. According to DePass, during the 2008 Thanksgiving period, 389 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, including 231 during nighttime hours.

Almost half of those who died were not wearing seatbelts.

“People die needlessly in traffic crashes every year, and state troopers, sheriff deputies and local officers will be working together to help prevent these unnecessary tragedies,” DePass said.

Regular seatbelt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 25,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2008 across the nation, and just over half were not wearing seatbelts.

DePass stressed that all vehicle occupants, regardless of age, should be properly restrained.

“Kids and young adults learn best by example, and parents must set that example,” he said. “Infants and toddlers are even more vulnerable because they can’t buckle themselves in. They must rely on adults to do it for them, and police officers across New York State will be on the lookout for drivers who neglect to do so.”

According to Major DePass, state troopers will be conducting numerous safety checkpoints and assigning dedicated patrols during the Buckle Up New York enforcement sweep.

“Wearing a seatbelt costs you nothing, but not wearing one, especially during the Thanksgiving period, will likely cost you a ticket at the very least, and maybe even your life,” DePass said.

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Troopers Launch Seatbelt Blitz for Thanksgiving

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