Ten Years After Adopting “Click It or Ticket” How Many Lives Have Been Saved?

In June 2002, when the primary seat belt law went into effect, in Benton and Franklin counties, approximately 82 percent of Washington drivers wore seat belts.

Today we celebrate a seat belt use rate of 97.5, marking the seventh consecutive year of more than 95 percent of Washingtonians buckling up.

During the past ten years, it is estimated that nearly 1,010 lives were saved due to increases in seat belt use. After the adoption of the Click it or Ticket project, with the primary seat belt law enforcement, the number of traffic deaths dropped from 658 in 2002 to 455 in 2011 (preliminary data).

Studies show seat belt use decreases the chance of dying in a crash by 60 percent and reduces the risk of head injury by 80 percent.

That’s why between May 21 and June 3, motorists in Benton and Franklin Counties can expect to see law enforcement patrolling city and county roadways in search of unbuckled drivers and passengers. The Kennewick and Pasco Police Departments, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol will all be teaming up and participating in these extra patrols, with the support of the Benton-Franklin Traffic Safety Task Force.

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.