Local law enforcement will keep up the pressure on seat belt violators even though a state study shows more drivers and passengers are complying with state safety laws.
The survey, conducted by the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research found that the number of drivers complying with seat belt laws increased to 89 percent so far in 2008, up 6 percentage points from 2007.
But Auburn Police Department Deputy Chief Thomas Murphy said there was still more work that needed to be done.
“Compliance has gone up, however there is still a significant amount of drivers who fail to wear their seat belts on a regular basis,” Murphy said. “We will continue our aggressive seat belt campaign to enhance compliance with all of our vehicle traffic laws.”
During the “Buckle Up New York - Click It or Ticket” campaign, which ran from May 19 to June 1, law enforcement agencies all across the state issued 49,301 tickets for seat belt violations and 3,097 for child restraint violations.
Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould said the campaign appeared to be working since fewer tickets had been issued by his office.
“Seat belts truly do save lives, hundreds or thousands of lives throughout New York,” Gould said. “I think people are realizing that because of TV ads and campaigns.”
One of the biggest problems with compliance was making a habit out of wearing a seat belt, Murphy said.
“If the first thing you do before you turn on the ignition is put on a seat belt, then it becomes second nature,” Murphy said. “The first thing I do is put on my seat belt, even if I am in a squad car. It's a lot easier and safer to put the seat belt on before the car is moving and you are less likely to forget to put it on and get a ticket.”
More drivers may also be realizing the importance of wearing a seat belt even on a short trip down the street, because most accidents occur near the home, Gould said.
“No matter how far you are going, whether it's to the store, to get the paper or down the street, you have to wear your seat belt,” Gould said. “Most accidents do happen within short proximity of your own residence, so whether its a two-minute drive or a two-hour drive, it's just as important to wear your seat belt.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
But Auburn Police Department Deputy Chief Thomas Murphy said there was still more work that needed to be done.
“Compliance has gone up, however there is still a significant amount of drivers who fail to wear their seat belts on a regular basis,” Murphy said. “We will continue our aggressive seat belt campaign to enhance compliance with all of our vehicle traffic laws.”
During the “Buckle Up New York - Click It or Ticket” campaign, which ran from May 19 to June 1, law enforcement agencies all across the state issued 49,301 tickets for seat belt violations and 3,097 for child restraint violations.
Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould said the campaign appeared to be working since fewer tickets had been issued by his office.
“Seat belts truly do save lives, hundreds or thousands of lives throughout New York,” Gould said. “I think people are realizing that because of TV ads and campaigns.”
One of the biggest problems with compliance was making a habit out of wearing a seat belt, Murphy said.
“If the first thing you do before you turn on the ignition is put on a seat belt, then it becomes second nature,” Murphy said. “The first thing I do is put on my seat belt, even if I am in a squad car. It's a lot easier and safer to put the seat belt on before the car is moving and you are less likely to forget to put it on and get a ticket.”
More drivers may also be realizing the importance of wearing a seat belt even on a short trip down the street, because most accidents occur near the home, Gould said.
“No matter how far you are going, whether it's to the store, to get the paper or down the street, you have to wear your seat belt,” Gould said. “Most accidents do happen within short proximity of your own residence, so whether its a two-minute drive or a two-hour drive, it's just as important to wear your seat belt.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
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