University News
OPS to Conduct Click It or Ticket Campaign
February 7, 2001
The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that more than 50 percent of all infants and toddlers, ages zero to four, killed in vehicles are unrestrained. The death rate jumps to more than 55 percent for children, ages five to nine, and spikes to more than 67 percent for children, ages 10-15.
In an effort to stop this tragedy, Western Illinois University's Office of Public Safety (OPS) and more than 450 law enforcement agencies statewide are conducting their latest "Click It or Ticket" enforcement campaign Monday, Feb. 12 through Saturday, Feb. 24.The latest crackdown coincides with National Child Passenger Safety Week. Illinois statistics show when a driver is buckled up, restraint use for children is 71 percent. When a driver is unbuckled, restraint for children is 28 percent.
"It is important that motorists understand the importance of buckling up every time they get in a vehicle," said OPS Director Robert Fitzgerald. "If they choose to ignore the law, they can expect a ticket."
OPS Sgt. Bob Baxter, community/university relations and education officer, added that while Illinois law states a child under the age of four must be secured in an approved child safety seat, the laws of physics dictate children between 40 and 80 pounds and less than 4 feet 9 inches should be properly restrained in a booster seat.
"A child under 80 pounds is too small for an adult seatbelt. The lap belt rides over the stomach and shoulder belts cut across the neck," Baxter explained. "In a crash, this can cause critical, even fatal, injuries."
Enforcement activities during the "Click It or Ticket" campaign include saturation patrols, roadside safety checks and stepped-up enforcement. For more information, contact Baxter at 309/298-1949.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: