The
goal is to get more drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip,
every time and ultimately save lives. Throughout the Thanksgiving
holiday period, troopers, Deputies, and local police agencies across
New York State will conduct safety restraint checkpoints and dedicated
roving patrols in this effort.
"Thanksgiving
travel can be a dangerous, and seat belts are the best defense against
crash-related injuries and fatalities." said Major DePass. "I'm urging
everyone to avoid alcohol if driving, make sure everyone is buckled up
every time, and to exercise caution driving on our state's roadways
this holiday period. Law enforcement will be out in force to protect
the safety of our roads and highways."
The
Thanksgiving holiday weekend traditionally kicks off the winter travel
season in New York and is one of the most heavily traveled times of the
year. According to Major DePass, across the U.S. during the 2008
Thanksgiving period, 389 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes, including 231 during nigh time hours. Almost half of those that died were NOT wearing seatbelts. "People
die needlessly in traffic crashes every year, and state troopers,
sheriff deputies and local officers will be working together to help
prevent these unnecessary tragedies", Major DePass advised.
Regular
seatbelt use is the single most effective way to protect people and
reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 25,000 passenger
vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2008 across
the nation, and just over half were not wearing seatbelts. Major
DePass stressed that all vehicle occupants, regardless of age, should
be properly restrained. "Kids
and young adults learn best by example, and parents must set that
example," he said. "Infants and toddlers are even more vulnerable ,
because they can't buckle themselves in. They must rely on adults to
do it for them, and police officers across New York State will be on
the lookout for drivers who neglect to do so."
According
to Major DePass, state troopers will be conducting numerous safety
checkpoints and assigning dedicated patrols during the Buckle Up New
York enforcement sweep. "Wearing a seat belt costs you nothing, but
not wearing one, especially during the Thanksgiving period, will likely
cost you a ticket at the very least, and maybe even your life." Major
DePass warned.
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