NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – Friday, the New Mexico Department of Transportation announced that law enforcement across the state is participating in the national Click It or Ticket mobilization through June 4. The mobilization focuses on seat belt enforcement.

“Everyone who gets into a car needs to put on their seatbelt. It could save your life,” NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Tom Church said. “I am proud to support law enforcement’s efforts to keep our streets and highways safe.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 seat belt use saved almost 14,000 lives of vehicle occupants five years old and older. Seat belt use can also reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 45 percent.

“Everyday officers experience the unnecessary tragedy of fatalities caused by people not wearing seatbelts” said New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas. “New Mexico State Police officers will be working relentlessly to ensure motorists are buckled for their safety. Officers will be out in force looking for unrestrained motorists.  We urge the public to be safe and always buckle up because seatbelts save lives.”