Two weeks of increased seat belt ticketing began Monday.
The Starkville Police Department issued a friendly reminder Monday that it will participate in the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign May 23 – June 5. During that time officers will “crack down on motorists who fail to wear their seat belts both day and night,” with emphasis on ”night.””
“Because nighttime passenger vehicle occupants are among those least likely to buckle up and most likely to die in crashes when unrestrained, nighttime enforcement has become a priority of the Click It or Ticket mobilization,” said in a statement issued by the SPD. “Of those who died in nighttime crashes in 2009, nearly two thirds were not wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.”
“If our officers find you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket,” said SPD Sgt. Shawn Word.
Driving or riding unrestrained in the front seat of a vehicle is now a primary offense in Mississippi, meaning officers can stop and ticket motorists solely for a seat belt violation. Fines begin at $25 for a first offense.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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