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Illinois Politics & Issues at a Glare

Gov. Blagojevich Urges Drivers to Buckle Up in May, Or Else

(Springfield, IL) — Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct the largest Click It or Ticket operation in the state’s history during the month of May.

The aim of the new campaign is to push the current 90% compliance rate to 100%.

The announcement comes at the 5th anniversary of Gov. Blagojevich’s signing the primary safety belt law in 2003. Statewide safety belt compliance has increased 14% from 76.2% in 2003 to 90.1% in 2007.

“When worn correctly, safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent – in pickup trucks, SUVs and mini-vans,” said Secretary of Transportation Milton Sees.

Illinois presently has the lowest fatality numbers since 1924.

The operation will include 500 local, state and county law enforcement agencies will dedicate over 15,000 hours between May 1 and June 1, 2008. Additionally, an $800,000 advertising campaign will aim to persuade motorists to buckle up while driving both day and night.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates safety belt compliance drops by approximately 10% at night. Even though only 25% of travel occurs at night, the fatality rate per vehicle mile of travel is about three times higher at night than during the day.

Put on the damn belt. Sheesh.

May 6, 2008 - Posted by David Ormsby | Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois Highway Safety | , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

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