Police Issue 238 Seat-Belt Tickets During 'Click It or Ticket'

A total of 238 seat-belt tickets were issued to motorists and their passengers in Gloucester Township during the May 21-June 3 "Click It or Ticket" initiative, according to police.

The initiative, which is funded by a $4,000 grant issued by New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (NJDHTS), focuses on unbuckled motorists and incorporates zero-tolerance enforcement of seat-belt laws.

Police noted that a total of 477 tickets were issued over the two-week period. In addition to the 238 summonses issued for failing to wear a seat belt, seven tickets were written for children not being properly secured in a car seat, 12 for speeding offenses and 73 for driving with suspended licenses, according to Gloucester Township Police.

Police also noted that there were 10 motorists arrested on drunken-driving charges over the two-week period.

According to NJDHTS, using a seat belt is the simplest way for a driver and his or her passengers to protect themselves when traveling. Motor-vehicle occupants who buckle up increase their chances of surviving a crash by as much as 75 percent.

Last year, the front seat belt usage rate in New Jersey rose for the 15th consecutive year to 94.51 percent. While front seat belt usage rates continue to increase in New Jersey, law-enforcement and safety officials want to ultimately see a 100 percent compliance rate, and utilize such campaigns as "Click It or Ticket" to help reach that goal.