Norwalk Cops' Seatbelt Enforcement: 'We Will Show No Leniency'

Norwalk police are conducting "Click It or Ticket" traffic checkpoints to enforce the state seat belt law at various times between Tuesday, May 19, and June 1, with a focus on U.S. Route 1, Route 136 and Main Avenue (old Route 7).

But police on regular patrols will also enforce the state's seat belt law, police have announced.

Police announced the campaign with this news release:

The Norwalk Police Department wants to remind motorists to Click It or Ticket. In order to enforce this reminder, the Norwalk Police Department will be stepping up enforcement beginning May 19.

The Norwalk Police Department’s efforts are part of a larger, national Click It or Ticket mobilization that runs May 19 through June 1, 2014. Motorists take to the roads to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement officers across the nation will be ensuring that everyone buckles up.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer vacation season, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound. If you are not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed. We will show no leniency.

According to new data released from the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities are up nationwide for the first time in five years.

In 2012, 10,335 people who were killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belts. These numbers are not acceptable and Norwalk Police officers are determined to help bring these numbers down.

Seat belts do save lives. From 2008 to 2012, seat belts saved nearly 63,000 lives. In 2012, an additional 3,031 lives could have been saved if all unrestrained occupants involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts.

In Connecticut 86.8 percent of drivers buckle up. It is the goal of the Norwalk Police Department and all Connecticut law enforcement agencies to increase that percentage in order to prevent injuries and save lives.

While all officers will be increasing enforcement efforts, there will be Click It or Ticket checkpoints, focusing on Route 1, Main Avenue and Route 136.