Delaware begins seat belt enforcement campaign

Delaware paramedics are helping the state drive home a message to drivers:  “Seat Belts Save More Lives Than We Do.”

The state today begins a two-week campaign of stepped-up enforcement of Delaware’s law, which requires drivers and all passengers to be buckled up. 

The focus will be on nighttime enforcement, the time of day when nearly two-thirds of accidents involving non-restrained drivers and passengers occur.  Drivers can expect to encounter checkpoints and saturation patrols during the campaign, dubbed “Click It or Ticket.”  The campaign through social media, broadcast media, on billboards and in schools will involve medics telling their stories about what they’ve encountered at accident scenes and the difference seat belt use has made – or could have made. 

One example:  “…the one who was not wearing the seat belt was completely ejected from the vehicle.”

“Our paramedics see firsthand the serious injuries and deaths resulting from crashes when seat belts are not used,” Governor Jack Markell said.  “It is important we heed their advice and wear our seat belts on every trip.”

“You never know when it may just save your life,” Delaware Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis Schiliro added. 

The fine for a seat belt ticket is $83.50. 

17 Delaware law enforcement agencies are taking part in “Click It or Ticket” which is in its eleventh year, according to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.  OHS said that 50% of all motor vehicle fatalities last year involved victims who were not buckled up, a sharp increase from the 34% rate reported in 2010.