PANAMA CITY — Don’t forget to buckle up.
Local law enforcement agencies and the Florida Highway Patrol are taking part in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign that runs through June 2. Anyone — driver or passenger — not using a seat belt runs the risk of getting a ticket.
The Panama City Beach Police Department has conducted three surveys so far to see how many people wear seat belts, PCBPD Lt. Richard McClanahan said. At the two intersections where the survey was conducted, 90 percent were wearing seat belts, and the third survey showed 78 percent were buckled up, McClanahan said.
PCBPD is not having special safety checkpoints but will follow normal routines. Several signs have been put up to make drivers aware of the seat belt enforcement campaign, McClanahan said.
“All we want is the public to be safe,” he said. The PCBPD also wants to educate the public, he added.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Panama City Police Department, also participate in the campaign, along with other area law enforcement agencies.
“We do have increased patrols out this weekend,” PCPD Lt. Robert Luther said.
The focus will not only be on seat belt enforcement, but on the overall safety of the public, he said, such as preventing drunk driving.
Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to help prevent injuries in the event of a traffic accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Florida’s primary safety belt law requires drivers and passengers to fasten their seat belts. FHP encourages people to buckle up every time they get in their vehicle and to make sure all passengers also are buckled up.
“Seat belts have saved thousands of lives and are one of the most effective safety tools in your vehicle,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Control.
You can help
To increase awareness of the importance of wearing a seat belt to future drivers, the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is inviting Florida middle school students to submit suggestions for a new seat belt poster and calendar for 2014. The contest encourages students to submit ideas that will motivate others to wear their seat belt. More information can be found by clicking on Seat Belt Poster Contest at www.flhsmv.gov.
