OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

1970 West Broad Street P.O. Box 182081 Columbus, Ohio 43218-2081 www.publicsafety.ohio.gov Ted Strickland, Governor S T A T E O F O H I O Henry Guzmán, Director MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lindsay Komlanc, Media Relations Director (614) 752-4325 May 12, 2008 ODPS LEADS OHIO’S EFFORTS IN NATIONAL SEAT BELT MOBILIZATION Yearly Click It or Ticket Enforcement Starts May 19 (COLUMBUS) – The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is joining law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners to participate in a national seat belt safety mobilization aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of the proper use of seat belts. This year’s campaign focuses on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night. In 2007, there were 482 fatalities on Ohio’s roads where motorists or passengers were unbelted, an increase from 457 fatalities where motorists were unbelted in 2006. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2006, 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., and 64 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crashes. “Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. “We are committed to working with partners across the state and lending whatever resources we can offer to educate Ohioans about the importance of buckling up, every trip, every time.” Throughout the mobilization, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO), a division of ODPS, is supporting state and regional efforts for the campaign. More than 900 local law enforcement agencies are partnering with GHSO to raise awareness for and enforce Ohio’s seat belt laws. If a motorist is pulled over for another violation and is not buckled up, he or she will get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt. Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization May 19th through June 1. “Seat belts save lives. Unfortunately, too many people still need a reminder, so we are going to be out in force buckling down on those who are not buckled up,” said Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it could cost you everything." -more- ODPS Leads Efforts in National Safety Mobilization May 12, 2008 Page Two Observational seat belt surveys conducted last year show Ohio’s overall seat belt usage rate was nearly identical to 2006’s rate of about 82 percent. The surveys also show seat belt use is lowest among the following segments of Ohio’s population: the southeast region of the state, pickup truck drivers and passengers, male drivers and passengers, and drivers and passengers between the ages of 15 and 25. ODPS is working to focus efforts to increase seat belt use in these areas to help save lives and reach the statewide usage rate goal of 85 percent. Each year, GHSO distributes approximately $7.5 million in federal funds to law enforcement grantees, Safe Community and other organizations addressing traffic safety to conduct enforcement and awareness efforts aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, increasing seat belt usage and decreasing the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Around the state, GHSO grantees will be holding kick off events to raise awareness for the Click It or Ticket campaign. A list of local events and other Click It or Ticket information can be found online at: http://www.highwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov/. GHSO distributed signs, banners and magnets promoting seat belt use to each county of the state through various safety partners. ### ODPS works to reduce deaths and injuries on Ohio’s roads through the efforts of its eight Divisions including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Emergency Medical Services, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Homeland Security, Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Governor’s Highway Safety Office. OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 1970 West Broad Street | P.O. Box 182081 | Columbus, Ohio 43218-2081 www.publicsafety.ohio.gov