The Reading Police Department in collaborative efforts with the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau (GHSB) Announce their Incentive Distribution Initiative, Buckle Up Safety Week, and Safety Belt Pledge Drive
On May 12, 2008, a letter was sent out to media venues. A letter was written to elicit a pledge for their support and the efforts of the Reading Police Department with the Click It or Ticket Program by publishing the information for the public to read.
A public awareness program at the Reading Police Department’s 7TH Annual Open House was held on May 17TH, 2008. This was an informational distribution conducted to once again raise the issue of safety belt use. During the open house, a table was set up to avail handouts from the GHSB to raise public awareness on a variety of issues from seat belt use to drunken driving laws and their consequences. This was accompanied by uniformed police officers who guided tours during the open house and made residents aware of all of these efforts. Once again, this was a very positive endeavor and all those who participated praised our efforts.
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On May 18TH, 2008 the Reading Police Department sponsored a Safety Belt Pledge Drive at the Atlantic Food Mart located on 30 Haven Street. Those signing a pledge card agreed to wear their safety belt for the next two weeks. atlantic2pledgedriveinitiative052205.jpg
On May 17, 2008, the Reading Police Department held an Incentive Distribution in one single location: Reading Compost Center on Strout Avenue. This location provided an excellent area to target motorists for this initiative. Of the above locations, approximately 187 vehicles were encountered, and of these approximately 85% were buckled-up. The public support for this program was overwhelming. Officer David V. Savio reported that feedback was appreciated and positive.
With only 56% of drivers and front seat passengers’ statewide using safety belts in 2001, the Reading Police Department is working to increase their use in the Town of Reading. may2805incentivedistribution.JPG
This GHSB statewide initiative coordinates extra state and local traffic enforcement, paid and earned media, along with community education to reduce aggressive driving and seatbelt use:
Click It or Ticket Mobilization
May 14th to June 4th, 2008
Reading Police Department Supports Click It or Ticket Campaign
Chief James W. Cormier announced the Reading Police Department will join more than 280 Massachusetts local police departments and the State Police in support of the July 2008 Mobilization of the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau’s (GHSB) Click It or Ticket Campaign from May 14th to June 4th. The GHSB (Governor's Highway Safety Bureau) is a program of the Executive Office of Public Safety.
“Those using Massachusetts roadways during this May Click It or Ticket Mobilization should drive sober and well-rested, obey posted speed limits, and be properly buckled up,” said Chief Cormier. “We are serious about saving lives by vigorously enforcing all traffic laws, in particular those involving safety belts and child safety seats, during this mobilization and all year-round.”
The GHSB’s Click It or Ticket Campaign, made possible by a federal highway safety grant, involves the close coordination of extra state and local traffic enforcement, public information, and community education. For more campaign information, including a growing photo library of safety belt educational efforts by local police, go to www.mass.gov/ghsb
“Wearing a safety belt isn’t just common sense, it is the law,” said Secretary of Public Safety Edward A. Flynn. “The Click It or Ticket Campaign, based on a successful national model, continues to enhance our efforts to save lives, reduce injuries, and prevent economic losses from motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts.”
Since its inception in November 2002, the Click It or Ticket Campaign has had a positive impact on highway safety in Massachusetts. Safety belt use in the state increased by 12% between 2002 and 2004 to 63%, the highest rate ever recorded. However the Massachusetts safety belt use rate compares unfavorably to the national use rate at 80% as of 2004.
Reading Police Department Supports Click It or Ticket Campaign
The Reading Police Department and the GHSB provide the following information on safety belts, booster seats and child safety seats:
- Safety belts reduce the risk of death in a motor vehicle crash by 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%. But of the 331 automobile and light truck occupants killed on Massachusetts roadways in 2002, 76% were unbuckled or their restraint use was unknown.
- If Massachusetts achieved 100% safety belt use, based on 2002 data the additional estimated annual savings would be 88 lives, 6,009 injuries, and $660.2 million in economic costs.
- Massachusetts law requires all drivers and passengers to be properly restrained by a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat. A driver may be stopped by police solely for having a child 12 years of age or younger improperly restrained ($25 fine per unbuckled occupant).
- Massachusetts law requires children under five AND weighing 40 pounds or less to ride properly secured in a child safety seat. Children five and older AND weighing over 40 pounds must wear a safety belt. For maximum safety, children 40 to 80 pounds should ride in a booster seat. Children over 80 pounds and taller than 4’9” are ready for an adult safety belt.
- Children 12 years of age and under, especially those riding in a rear-facing child safety seat, should always ride properly restrained in the back seat away from an air bag.
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