Chelsea Police will join the Massachusetts State Police and over 133 other local police departments across the state in a crackdown targeting unbuckled motorists. The national Click It Or Ticket (CIOT) seat belt enforcement mobilization is federally funded through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division, as confirmed by Chief Brian A. Kyes.
“Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the busy summer driving season,” said Chelsea Police Chief Thomas Dunn. “Safety belts and properly installed child safety seats are your best defense against drunk, aggressive and distracted drivers, as well as your own mistakes.” From May 14 through June 3, law enforcement will be actively patrolling for safety belt violations.
Massachusetts data from 2012 indicates that approximately 50 lives could have been prevented if all occupants had worn seat belts. Research demonstrates that vehicle occupants are more likely to buckle up during daytime hours than at night. Nationally, nighttime drivers show lower seat belt compliance than daytime drivers. During 2012, 10,480 passenger vehicle occupants died in nighttime motor vehicle traffic crashes (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Among those killed in nighttime crashes, 55 percent were unbelted, compared to 41 percent of those killed during daytime hours (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.).
Throughout day and night operations, Chelsea and other state and local police departments will participate in the CIOT “Border to Border” Operation alongside law enforcement agencies across the East Coast. The initiative emphasizes increased seat belt enforcement at state borders and promotes a “zero tolerance” message: unbuckled driving or riding will result in a ticket regardless of location or time of day.
“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is crucial that everyone buckles up every time they go out, day and night – no excuses,” said Chief Thomas Dunn. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children. Adults must remember that if they don’t buckle up then they can become unguided missiles during a crash and can severely injure other vehicle occupants, especially children.”