California Click It or Ticket Program

According to research, the State of California ranks fourth when it comes to seat belt usage. In fact, as of 2007, the estimates are that ninety four point six percent of people use them. This represents around a million more people buckling up since California started the “Click It or Ticket” campaign in 2005. So far, California has deemed the program a success, and hopes to strengthen it even further, going forward.

Buckle Up for Safety
One of the simplest things that people can do in order to stay safe while driving  on the roads is to buckle up. While it only takes seconds, many people still don’t do it, for any of a variety of reasons. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, people can reduce their chances of dying in an auto accident by 50 percent just by buckling up.
The Click It or Ticket campaign requires by law that everyone in a vehicle be buckled in with a seat belt. This goes for those riding in the back seat, as well as the front. If people fail to wear their seat belt, the fine for the infraction varies by county, but usually falls in the $80-$91 range.

Especially the Kids
The fines above are imposed on those over the age of 16 who are not wearing their own seat belts. Regarding those who are younger, the fines can be much stiffer. Especially when it comes to small children, it is important that parents take every measure to properly restrain them in the vehicle. If the parent is not in the vehicle, the driver will be the recipient of the ticket.
When it comes to children under six, there is an even bigger penalty than just paying a fine. For the first offense of failing to have a child under six properly restrained, there is a $330 to $401 fine, and the parent or driver can receive one point on their driving record. If there is a second offense, the fine ranges from $795 to $971.

Every Time
If you think about how many times in a week or year you get into your vehicle, the total may be surprising. But each of those times represents an opportunity for you to buckle your seat belt. And, as a driver, you should make sure that ever passenger in the vehicle is also properly buckled. Nationally, the seat belt usage rate is eighty two percent. While some may find them to be annoying, time consuming or unnecessary, the fact is that they do save lives. Make it your goal to always wear your seat belt. Once you have done it consistently for a few weeks, it will become natural, and you will begin doing it without a second thought.