CALIFORNIA UNVEILS CLICK IT OR TICKET SEAT BELT CAMPAIGN
Renewed Effort Includes Increased Education and Enforcement of Seat Belt Laws

SAN DIEGO – Together with state and local officials, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., and California Highway Patrol Deputy Commissioner Joe Farrow today kicked off Click It Or Ticket – California’s new seat belt campaign designed to save lives and prevent injuries.


The campaign kickoff to increase seat belt use in California, currently 90.4 percent, will be followed by a $3.3 million statewide media blitz beginning May 9 and running through June 5. Throughout the campaign, the California Highway Patrol and law enforcement officers across the state will focus on seat belt enforcement. The campaign is held in connection with the ABC Buckle Up America campaign being held nationally.

“We applaud the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state for joining us in this important effort,” Dr. Runge said. “Strong laws and high visibility enforcement are proven ways to increase safety belt use. So today we remind people to click it--or expect a ticket.”

  The announcement was made during a 10 a.m. press conference today at the 2005 Office of Traffic Safety Summit at the Hyatt Manchester Grand Hotel, San Diego. Themed Changing People, Saving Lives, the Summit is attended by more than 650 state and national traffic safety advocates and stakeholders. Flanking Dr. Runge at the event was San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy, Caltrans District 4 Deputy Director Joe Hull, and victims advocate, Lynne Goodwin.