Wear the belt if driving at night

MATAMORAS — “Nighttime drivers and passengers continue to be among those least likely to wear seat belts. Consequently, they are also among those most likely to die in motor vehicle crashes,” said Chief Chad Stewart of the Eastern Pike Regional Police Department. That’s why the department is supporting enhanced nighttime enforcement of belt laws during the May 24-June 6, 2010, Click It or Ticket campaign, he said. In 2008, 12,671 people in passenger vehicles died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., according to the national statistics. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of those who died were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crashes, compared to less than half (45%) of the passenger vehicle occupants killed during daytime accidents. In Pennsylvania, 553 people died unbelted in 2008. “Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket activities that will take place around the clock. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket — not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions,” said Chief Stewart.