University Police joins other law enforcement agencies with the current "Click It or Ticket" campaign emphasizing driver and passenger safety.
UP's enforcement emphasis runs through April 26, complementing an additional nationwide campaign May 18 to 31.
The campaign notes the following statistics related to seatbelts and child safety seats:
- Over the past five years, an average of 200 people were killed each year because they weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
- People who use seatbelts are over 20 percent more likely to be uninjured in a crash.
- Crashes where people aren’t wearing seatbelts are five times more likely to result in serious injury.
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States.
- Car seats, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent.
- In New York state, 90 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly.
University Police reminds the campus and community of the follow points of law enforcement:
- Every occupant must utilize a seatbelt or child restraint system, regardless of age or seating position.
- Drivers and passengers can be fined for not buckling up.
- Passengers in a taxi or other contracted ride service must use a safety restraint.
- Children under two must ride rear facing.
- Children under 4 must use an appropriate car seat.
- Children ages 4 to 7 must use an appropriate child restraint (car seat or booster).
- Everybody 8 years old or older must use a seatbelt.
In addition, April is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The agency noted that in 2024 (the most recent year with full figures available), 3,208 people were killed and more than 315,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted drivers were deemed the cause of 8 percent of fatal crashes in that time.
Further details are available through University Police. Oswego's UP has two certified child passenger seat technicians who are available to assist with car seat checks or questions. Call 315-312-5555 or email police@oswego.edu for more information.
-- Submitted by University Police