“The officers have written several citations, but overall, they are having a pretty tough time spotting safety belt violators,” said Lt. Terry Chamness of the Big Spring Police Department. “They are parking in various locations and looking for motorists who refuse to buckle up, but it seems like they just aren't there like in years past.

“The program really seems to be working at this point. I'm very pleased with the citizens for taking the time to buckle up properly. It's a good thing for them, not just because it keeps them from getting a ticket, but because it increases their chances of surviving a traffic crash. From what I'm hearing from the officers on the street, the message is finally sinking in.”

The state-funded, 14-day period — aptly named Click it or Ticket for its zero-tolerance policy on safety belt violations — began Monday and will continue through May 29, according to Chamness.

“The grant money allows us to keep an officer on the road for five four-hour shifts each day,” said Chamness. “And these officers won't be doing their normal duties. They will be looking specifically for seat belt violations. So, if you decide not to buckle up, there's going to be an officer looking just for you.

“And if you do get caught, there won't be any talking your way out of a ticket. We've had a zero tolerance rule for seat belt violations since 2002. You'll get a ticket, and the fine from Municipal Court will be $147. It's also a moving violation, so it will effect what you're paying for insurance.”

Chamness said the program, which focuses on the Memorial Day holiday, has been a big success in the past, and he and other law enforcement officials are happy with the results so far this year.

“When we quit doing Click it or Ticket about three years ago, safety belt compliance was at about 94 percent,” said Chamness. “It's fallen to about 88 to 89 percent since then. However, if the last few days are any indication, I think we're going to see that number rise quite a bit. Officers have written citations, but they aren't writing nearly as many as we had originally expected.”

Since the start of the Click it or Ticket campaign in 2002, Texas has seen a 15 percent increase in safety belt compliance. In 2008, a study by the Texas Transportation Institute revealed that 91.2 percent of Texans were buckling up. This year, TxDOT hopes to increase safety belt compliance to 93.25 percent, according to state officials.

And while Click it or Ticket certainly aims to get drivers to buckle up, passengers should also be a major concern, according to Chamness.

“When you are the driver, you’re responsible for making sure all passengers are buckled up — especially the young ones,” said Chamness. “Children under 17 buckle up only 70 percent of the time — and 10 percent of those are buckled up incorrectly. The fact remains that nearly 3,500 people die on Texas roadways every year. Many of those deaths might be prevented by the proper use of safety belts.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it