Cracking down to buckle up — and that goes for kids and passengers, too.
The national click it or ticket campaign is under way. State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable, WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety, says the motorist is in the driver’s seat when it comes to their passengers’ use of safety belts. “The driver can be cited for not having their passengers properly buckled, as well.”
That includes each occupant in that vehicle, so the driver could be cited on top of the tickets issued to the unbelted passengers over the age of 16. And, Huxtable says, don’t forget the kids. “We always do highlight the child passenger safety, as well, because those folks are so vulnerable; they don’t have a choice in the matter.”
The cost for adult violators is $10, but when it comes to child passenger safety, Huxtable says it’ll set you back about $175 for first offense, and over $200 for the second.
The state has already recorded more traffic deaths this year compared with the same time last year. Many of those deaths could have been prevented with the use of a seat belt.
The annual Click-it or ticket campaign continues through June 3. Nearly 400 law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin will have more officers patrolling for longer hours to crackdown on unbuckled drivers and passengers.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:33