Driving at night in Virginia? Be sure to buckle up!

It is that time of year again – time for the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, when local Virginia law enforcement officers keep an eye out for drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seatbelts.

However, this year there is a special focus.  Police will be on the lookout for nighttime drivers who are not wearing seat belts.  Why the special focus on driving after dark?  Studies show that after dark drivers are more likely to go without seat belts.  Not wearing a seat belt increases a person’s chance of being seriously hurt or killed in an auto accident.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is behind the campaign.  He stated at a press conference that “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing.  Not buckling up can cost you everything.”  Not to mention the cost that the community bears in the form of emergency medical treatment, property damage, police and emergency response, and more.

One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a driver or passenger in a crash is being thrown from the vehicle – especially in a rollover crash.  Wearing a seat belt prevents this from happening greatly improving a vehicle occupant’s chance of survival.

Virginia law enforcement officers will be out in force in Culpeper, Warrenton, and surrounding areas making sure you and yours are buckled up properly.  Don’t risk a ticket or serious injury – make sure you always buckle your seat belt any time you get into the car.