ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies nationwide for the 24th year of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, reminding drivers and passengers about the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
The campaign began in Florida in May 2001 before expanding nationwide in 2003. The effort is focused on increasing safety and saving lives.
“The campaign is just a drive to bring increased safety to everybody’s attention. Remind people that seatbelts are important and that they do save lives,” said Sergeant McDaniels. “Florida seatbelt violations are a primary violation, which means we don’t have to have anything else to stop you for. Not wearing your seatbelt is sufficient to justify a stop. A seatbelt violation for a driver is a $114 ticket and a nonmoving violation. Same thing for a front seat passenger. If it involves kids under six, violations go up to $164.”
Florida law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts while a vehicle is in motion.
“You’re in the state of Florida, your vehicle’s moving, and you’re operating it, you need your seatbelt on,” McDaniels said.
Some drivers complain that seatbelts can bother their necks or, for those who have had open heart surgery, irritate scars. However, many vehicles are equipped with an adjustable device on the driver’s side that allows the seatbelt to be moved up or down for a more comfortable fit.
Jean Pierre Seminario was pulled over by deputies for not wearing his seatbelt. Reflecting on the experience, he shared how wearing a seatbelt saved his life in a previous accident.
“Oh, no. Wear definitely is a lifesaver. I had an accident a couple of years ago, and it wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t be here right now. Easy to see. I can see your buckle hanging by your head from behind the car. I can see it from beside you,” Seminario said.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign runs through the end of the month. Deputies say they will be out in force, issuing tickets to violators in an effort to save lives. Buckling up takes only seconds but can make all the difference.