Mangano Announces Participation In "Buckle Up New York, Click It Or Ticket" With Special Emphasis On Nighttime Enforcement

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter announced today that the Nassau County Police Department is participating in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s “Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket” enforcement initiative which takes place from May 23, 2011 through June 5, 2011 with an emphasis on nighttime enforcement when seatbelt use is statistically lower.

The Nassau County Traffic Safety Board secured a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to promote the use of seatbelts in Nassau County. This grant is designed to enhance enforcement throughout the year. Nassau County will be joining the rest of the state participating in the Buckle-Up New York Program along with many of our Village Police Departments.

“There is no disputing the fact that seatbelts save lives and prevent horrific injuries,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am asking all residents to comply with the law and buckle up every time they turn their vehicle on, it could mean the difference between life and death.”

This initiative will consist of high visibility enforcement, targeting occupant restraint non-compliance. A zero tolerance policy for such violations will apply. The goal of the program is to increase safety belt and child seat usage in an effort to reduce serious injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an individual is killed in a crash every 13 minutes while seatbelts save over 11,000 lives each year. The proper use of seat belts and child safety seats for children under eight has proven to save lives and reduce serious injuries. Last year 17,314 seatbelt violations were issued in Nassau County, an increase over 2009’s violations of 14,458.

Last year during this expanded enforcement wave 4,589 seat belt violations were issued with an additional 151 violations issued for children not in safety seats or boosters. Children under the age of eight are required to be in a federally approved child safety seat or booster.

In conclusion County Executive Mangano stated: “Nassau County has a year-round fitting station to assist parents with the installation of their car seats. Operated by the Nassau County Traffic Safety, a certified technician is available to inspect and help install child safety seats. Located at 170 Cantiague Rock Road in Hicksville, parents can have their seats checked on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 12:00- 2:00 by appointment. To make an appointment please call (516) 571-9664.”