Photo Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police
By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Franklin County, MA) Massachusetts State Police, in conjunction with other New England police agencies both local and state-level, are enacting a seat belt initiative. This is in an effort to enforce the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
A Border 2 Border (B2B) enforcement initiative will be in place from now through the summer to increase seat belt enforcement, “especially for vehicles crossing the border into Massachusetts” according to the Massachusetts State Police.
Seat belts spread forces imposed on vehicle occupants during a crash. This minimizes internal injuries and prevents ejection. The risk of death can be reduced by up to 45% by wearing a seat belt and serious injuries reduced by 50%. Drivers not wearing seat belts can face “steep fines” if stopped by a law enforcement officer.