For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Burlington Police Department Receives $3,000 Grant for Click It or Ticket Campaign

BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent is pleased to announce that the Burlington Police Department has been awarded a grant to take part in a Click It or Ticket Campaign this spring.

The approximately $3,000 grant was awarded to the Burlington Police Department by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to fund additional seat belt enforcement patrols this May and June.

An annual Click It or Ticket campaign is organized through the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division of EOPSS to promote seat belt safety. This year’s campaign will run from Monday, May 13 through Sunday, June 2.

According to the state’s annual seat belt observation study, the seat belt use rate rose to 81.6 percent in Massachusetts last year, but it still lags well behind the national average of 89.7 percent.

Additionally, while an estimated 61 lives were saved in Massachusetts in 2017 by seat belts, 62 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in the same year were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Motorists are required by law to wear a seat belt, and that’s because they’re effective,” Chief Kent said. “We’re fortunate to have this funding to support our seat belt patrols as we remind the community to buckle-up. Seat belts safe lives, time and time again.”

Massachusetts law requires all motor vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt. Fines start at $25 per violation.

All children riding as a passenger in motor vehicles must be in a federally-approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. Children older than 8 years old or taller than 57 inches then must wear seat belts.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can make an appointment to have their child’s car seat inspected, free of charge, at the Burlington Police Department by calling the traffic division at 781-270-1940.

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