The Memorial Day weekend was a great one weather-wise, but an expensive one for some 35 motorists who received citations for seat belt violations.
Unbelted occupants account for more than half of those killed in traffic crashes, and the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign is designed to raise the awareness of drivers who are careless about seat-belt usage.
The annual enforcement campaign, which ran from May 18 through May 29, “was a successful campaign, and we believe through our enforcement efforts, we helped save lives and raise awareness in our community,” said EPD Traffic Sgt. Tracy Williams.
“Issuing tickets was not our goal,” he said, ”but it was a way to remind people of the importance of such a simple action.”
During the 11-day mobilization, Evanston police issued 35 seat belt citations, three child car seat citations, four DUI arrests, two felony arrests,14 cell phone violations, one illegal transportation of open alcohol, four no driver’s licenses, four uninsured motorists, five speeding citations, one drug arrest, and 24 other citations.