West Chicago, Illinois: May 17, 2016 - West Chicago Police will join the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police (ISP) and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies across the State for the 2016 Illinois Click It or Ticket campaign which kicks off May 17, 2016. During the campaign, officers will be cracking down both day and night on motorists who fail to wear their seat belt in the front and back seat.
In Illinois, as of January 1, 2012, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts in all seating positions in the car, not just the front seat. During statewide observational surveys conducted by IDOT in 2014, the overall usage rate for rear seat occupants was 84.0 percent versus 94.1 percent for drivers and front seat passengers.
“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer driving season, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” said Commander Laub. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone, front or back seat, who is not wearing a seat belt.”
In 2013, back seat passengers in Illinois accounted for 48 fatalities and over 7,500 injuries. Out of those 48 fatalities, 24 of them were not wearing their seat belt.
“Law enforcement will be cracking down on seat belt violators around the clock. Local motorists should be prepared to buckle up. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket – not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions,” Commander Laub said.
Remember – wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign runs from May 17 - May 30, 2016, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You will save the cost of a ticket and may save a life.
For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, please visit www.buckleupillinois.org. Remember: In Illinois, children are required to be in a car seat or booster seat until at least age 8, and all children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.