Rep. Hwang and Lt. Governor Fedele on Hand During “Click-It Or Ticket” Law Enforcement Campaign Launch

State Representative Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), a member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, and Lt. Governor Michael Fedele were present as Connecticut kicked off its 2010 “Click It or Ticket” campaign on May 20th. The goal is to get drivers to buckle up when they get behind the wheel.

A ceremony was held at the State Department of Transportation headquarters to announce the campaign, which runs from May 24 through June 6. It was enthusiastically attended by uniformed law enforcement officers from throughout Connecticut.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 12,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in 2008. 64% of those victims died because they didn’t have a seat belt on.

Hwang noted that seat belts work, especially considering that when worn correctly they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45% and 60% in pick-up trucks, SUVs and mini vans.

Yet nearly one in five Americans still fail to wear their belt regularly, statistics that hold up in Connecticut. The program seeks to encourage constant seat belt use by highlighting enforcement during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

The ceremony took a poignant turn when Tom Geary, father of Cassie Geary, a 17 year driver who died from injuries suffered from an accident. The fatal accident occurred when Cassie’s car, travelling at under 35 miles per hour, slipped on a patch of black ice and hit a tree. She was not wearing her seat belt and was thrown from the automobile. Mr. Geary spoke of the pain his family still endures, but in turn motivated the family to create “Click it for Cassie” an educational seat belt safety program targeted at teen-ager drivers.

“The ‘Click It or Ticket’ enforcement program is critical to saving lives through a coordinated effort of law enforcement, legislative and community leaders raising awareness about seat belt use,” said Rep. Tony Hwang. “The ‘Click It for Cassie’ program is a great communication vehicle to remind teenage drivers about seat belt use. If Cassie Geary’s compelling tragedy can save teenage lives, then one positive thing will have been drawn from her passing.”

“It’s important to remind all Connecticut residents that when they get behind the wheel of their car and their passengers get inside, that simple decision to buckle up is a life or death decision,” said Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele. “Memorial Day Weekend traditionally kicks off summer with barbecues, picnics, students out of school and that carefree feeling of freedom. The devastating loss experienced by the Geary family is a grim reminder to us all: before the key goes in the ignition, everyone clicks the seatbelt. ‘Click It or Ticket’ will save your life and everyone can enjoy a safe summer.”