Pine Bluff, Arkansas – This Thanksgiving, the Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote the “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The high-visibility seat belt awareness initiative aims to keep drivers and passengers safe during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Seat Belt Enforcement Through December 1
Running through Sunday, December 1, 2024, this campaign emphasizes the importance of seat belt use, with law enforcement officers across Arkansas working diligently to enforce seat belt laws. Drivers caught without a seat belt will be pulled over, as officers aim to prevent unnecessary tragedies during the holiday season.
The Alarming Facts
The numbers underscore the importance of buckling up. During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 326 passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives in traffic crashes. Of those fatalities, 43% (141 victims) were not wearing seat belts. Nighttime proved especially dangerous, with 47% of crash victims unbuckled, compared to 38% during the day.
A Message from the Pine Bluff Police
Lieutenant DeShawn Bennett, Public Information Officer for PBPD, urged drivers to prioritize safety, saying, “Buckle your seat belt to stay safe and to stay legal. Whether you’re driving cross-country or across the street, day or night, that seat belt could save your life. This Thanksgiving, and every day, remember: Click It or Ticket.”
The Pine Bluff Police Department encourages everyone to keep their families safe this holiday season by always wearing a seat belt. The simple act of buckling up can save lives, prevent fines, and ensure a safe Thanksgiving for all.
Remember, your life may depend on it. Buckle up and help make this Thanksgiving a safe one for everyone.
