The Fairfield Glade Police Department is partnering with other Cumberland County law enforcement agencies for increased seatbelt enforcement.
Beginning Monday, the Fairfield Glade Police will begin their no tolerance “Click it or Ticket” initiative. Anyone driving or riding without a seatbelt will get a citation. Captain Fred Sherrill said seatbelts reduce impact in a crash. Sherill said failure to use a seatbelt could be deadly.
“48 people of the people that are killed in crashes are not buckled,” Sherrill said. “Oh my gosh, that’s nearly half. I mean, why would we not want to buckle and keep that family member around at Christmas and around at Thanksgiving? You know, that kind of stuff. And that’s just during daytime.”
Sherrill said Click it or Ticket enforcement will be strongest in high traffic areas. Sherill said seatbelt fines are $30 for the first offense, and $55 for the second offense.
“I get comments and stuff from other people saying, ‘I’ll just pay the 30,'” Sherrill said. “Well, come on, dude. Let’s not pay the 30, let’s buckle up and let me save your life.”
Sherrill said on average, 92.2 percent of Tennessee drivers wear their seatbelts. Sherill said Cumberland County seatbelt usage ranges between 94 and 96 percent.
“We pay special attention to the school zones,” Sherrill said. “That’s another reason, when you come through the school zone, make sure to set the good example for your kids and buckle up. And make it to where it’s something that they want to do.”
The “Click it or Ticket” program runs through June 1.
