COM 0140.091 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proclamation further encourages all drivers to "make sure that everyone in their car is buckled up every time they drive." The police departments of Hawaii's four counties have joined more than 13,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide to get out the message of "Click It or Ticket," a national campaign aimed at encouraging people, especially young people, to buckle up for safety. The federally funded "Click It or Ticket Mobilization" targets the most at-risk drivers teens and young adults. "One of the greatest fears for any parent is the day when their child becomes a teenager and wants to drive the family car," said Sergeant Randy Apele, head of the Traffic Services Section. "While they may be old enough to obtain a license, that hardly means they are ready for the responsibilities of the road. Caught in a lethal intersection of inexperience and risk-taking, teens are killed at alarming rates in crashes they could have survived had they been wearing a seat belt. "So how do you get teens to buckle up when they think tragedy won't happen to them? You threaten them with a ticket and then back it up with strong enforcement of seat belt laws." Apele said that's exactly what Big Island police will be doing during the two-week national mobilization. "We'll be surrounding them with the message, "Click It or Ticket: If you won't buckle up to save your life, then buckle up to save yourself a ticket," Apele said. During the campaign, Big Island police will intensify efforts to enforce safety belt laws and child passenger safety laws by increasing checkpoints and other measures, Apele said. Drivers failing to restrain themselves and their passengers will be ticketed, he said.