‘Click It Or Ticket’ Campaign Kicks Off on Big Island

Fasten your seatbelts.  The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Hawai‘i Police Department have launched the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign to encourage motor vehicle safety among drivers and passengers.

The goal is to save lives and reduce injuries by reminding everyone to buckle up.  The campaign began May 11 and runs through May 25, and will see enhanced law enforcement activities to insure people are using their seat belts.

HDOT has reported that nearly 12,000 drivers statewide received tickets during FY 2014 for failing to use a seatbelt.  Additionally, 1,573 drivers were issued citations for failing to secure a child under the age of eight with a seatbelt.  In June of 2014, the estimated seat belt usage rate in Hawai‘i was 94%, remaining the same from the previous year.

HDOT Director Ford Fuchigami says the majority of traffic-related deaths could be avoided if people simply remember to wear their seat belts and secure children in child safety seats.

“We’ve heard too many stories about senseless deaths that were the result of motor vehicle occupants being ejected from their vehicles,” said Fuchigami.

According to Hawai‘i law, all front and back seat vehicle occupants are required to buckle up.  The fine for failing to comply is $102 in Hawai‘i County.  Children under the age of four must ride in a child safety seat, and children ages 4 – 7 must ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat.  Violators are required to appear in court, and if convicted, face fines of $100 – $500 as well as a required four-hour class.

According to national statistics, the use of seat belts have saved almost 63,000 lives between 2008 and 2012.