Buckle Up or Pay Up

The Newark Police Department is buckling down on people who aren't buckling up as part the 2011 Click It or Ticket campaign, a statewide effort to make seat belt use a habit.

Between May 23 and June 5, police officers will be looking for unbelted drivers and passengers. The fine for not wearing a seat belt totals a minimum of $142 for first-time violators. For children under 16, the fine for a first time offense is $445, according to .

Seat belt use is reported to be at 96.2 percent, according to a police press release. Still, one million people are not buckling up.

“Many avoidable traffic fatalities can be prevented if more motorists just start wearing their seat belts, said Sgt. Jonathan Arguello of the Newark Police Department.

“Citations will be issued. It’s not just about avoiding the costly ticket; it’s about keeping your loved ones alive. Remember to buckle up on every outing, even the short ones," Arguello said.

Drivers and passengers wearing a seat belt have a 50 percent better chance or surviving a crash than unbelted commuters, according to the press release. In 2009, approximately 12,713 lives were saved nationwide by wearing seat belts properly.

The Click It or Ticket campaign has increased the state's adult seat belt usage up to 96.2 percent from 92.5 percent in 2005.