Long Beach police join "Click it or Ticket" campaign to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities

The Long Beach Police Department is once again participating in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual seat belt enforcement campaign.

This initiative, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, aims to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

In 2022, the seat belt use rate reached 92 percent. However, despite this high rate, 57 percent of people killed in nighttime traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt. In the same year, 11,302 passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts. Among young adults aged 18 to 34, 60 percent of those killed were not buckled up, which is one of the highest percentages among all age groups, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Statistically, the chance of injury or death in a motor vehicle accident is lowered when seat belts are worn,” Acting Police Commissioner Richard DePalma said. “This campaign is being implemented as part of the Long Beach Police Department’s goal of providing the safest possible roadways to the residents and visitors of the City of Long Beach.”

The Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the beginning of the summer season, resulting in increased traffic due to those who travel to celebrate. The campaign is part of a national effort to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities by promoting the use of seat belts. The LBPD will be actively patrolling the streets and ensuring compliance with seat belt laws.

This campaign, running from May 20 to June 2, reminds drivers and their passengers of the importance of buckling up and the legal consequences of not wearing a seat belt. The LBPD’s enforcement strategy will include increased visibility of patrol units and zero tolerance for seat belt violations.

“This campaign is all about safety,” DePalma said. “Proper seat belt use can reduce the risk of fatal injury by more than 45 percent. While a vast majority of people use seat belts, it’s campaigns like this keep this issue top of mind and usage rates high.”

This year’s effort emphasizes the slogan, “Click It or Ticket,” reminding motorists that failure to wear a seat belt will result in a citation.