Tennessee Drivers Reminded to Click It or Ticket

Enforcement Blitz Buckled Down on Those Not Buckled Up

Nashville, TN - Millions of travelers will hit the highways this summer and the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office is reminding drivers to Click It or Ticket.  In 2006, 983 people in Tennessee died in traffic crashes and 56 percent of those killed were not buckled up at the time of the deadly crash.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 209 of those killed would have been saved if they had worn their safety belt.  Today, the GHSO joined representatives from Georgia and Alabama to remind drivers of the dangers of traveling without a safety belt. 

An astonishing 64 percent of the 15,046 killed in nighttime crashes in the U.S. in 2006 were unrestrained according to NHTSA.  The proportion of unbuckled deaths at night is considerably higher than the 46 percent of those killed in daytime crashes that were not buckled up.

“These statistics are staggering when you consider using seat belts is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” stated Kendell Poole, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.  “That is why the GHSO met today with state, local and neighboring states law enforcement to report the conclusion of the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization.”

Friday’s event followed an enforcement blitz conducted on the Tennessee/Georgia border Thursday night, May 29.  Law enforcement worked to educate motorists about safety belt laws and the benefits of buckling up in hopes of reducing highway fatalities.  Tennessee’s Hands Across the Border mobilization was launched on May 14 in upper East Tennessee.  Media events were held throughout Tennessee bringing together troopers, local officers, government agencies and traffic safety advocates across all the Southeastern states to formally announce plans to promote strict adherence to all traffic laws. 

“Research shows us that there is a problem with drivers and passengers not buckling up at night, when the risk of a fatal crash is greatest,” Lt. Jeff Mosley, Tennessee Highway Patrol, said.  “Clearly this is an indication that these individuals are not taking the law seriously.  That’s why we have been out in force and will continue enforcement to make sure that all passengers, in all vehicles, are buckled up - day and night.”

The national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization is supported heavily by a projected $7.5 million in paid national advertising and additional state advertising to encourage all motorists to always buckle up.

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely stated, “The message is simple. Seat belts save lives. Buckling up is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself when you get into an automobile.”

“In 2006, there were 209 loved ones that would still be here today if they had been protected with a seat belt.  Three of those were children under the age of 5,” Poole added.  “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it certainly will.  Everyone should buckle up both day and night.”

Hands Across the Border was created in 1991 by safety advocates across the Southeast to bring about awareness of safety belt and aggressive driving concerns.  Participating state and local enforcement agencies sponsor educational community outreach events where motorists learn about the dangers of impaired driving and violating the speed limit as well as the importance of obeying all occupant protection laws.

 ###

TDOT Communications Office
615-741-2331

“Achieving public trust and confidence through communication, accountability, consistency and integrity”