‘Click it or Ticket’: Buckle up every time, every trip

Buckling up correctly – every trip, every time – can make a world of difference. In fact, it can save your life. To that end, law enforcement across Oregon will be reminding motorists and their passengers about Oregon laws during a campaign that focuses on using the right safety restraints, including for those subject to Oregon’s newest occupant protection law:

Children under age 2 must use a child seat with harness in a rear-facing position, unless the child turned one year of age prior to May 26, 2017. Children age two, or who turned one year of age prior to May 26, 2017, must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4′ 9″ in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.

Why buckle up? Because studies show using the proper restraint can reduce the risk of major injury or death by 65 percent. Yet in Oregon in 2016, crash data shows lack of a safety belt or a child restraint system was a factor in 26 percent of the 343 motor vehicle occupant deaths – that’s 89 lives that might have been saved had they buckled up correctly. It’s a survival tip worth taking seriously.

ODOT, law enforcement and safety advocates encourage all users of the transportation system to take personal responsibility for being safe. Be sure to use child safety seats correctly (see your manufacturer’s guidebook, or visit a safety seat check station.). Buckle up day and night, no matter what vehicle you’re in or where you’re going. Don’t drive impaired and put the distractions away when you are behind the wheel, on your bicycle or walking in a busy area. Extra law enforcement, funded by a grant from ODOT’s Transportation Safety Division, is on the lookout.