Year 2001 Texas data show seat belt use at 76 percent. That means nearly one in four Texans are still not buckling up. That’s why concerned safety advocates and law enforcement officials launched a vigorous statewide campaign called “Click It or Ticket Texas.” The results of the first year of Click It or Ticket was an increase of seat belt usage to 81.5 percent. The goal is for Texas to reach a usage rate of 85%, which is why Click It or Ticket will be held again this year. The reason this new campaign makes an important difference is:

* The message is clear and simple.
* Intensive work with elected officials and community leaders including employers builds support before the highly visible traffic enforcement begins.
* Special attention is given to working closely with African American and Hispanic community leaders, including faith-based leaders, to get their advice and help in spreading the word about the upcoming enforcement/awareness campaign and why it is needed.
* Paid TV and radio announcements get the clear enforcement message out to the at-risk populations who have so far not been convinced to buckle up.

Click It or Ticket Texas enforcement and awareness campaign will be conducted Nov. 18 to Dec. 1, 2003.
When seat belt use in Texas reaches 85 percent, each year we can save an estimated 241 lives and prevent 5,275 injuries. Beyond the human toll, rising insurance rates and medical costs are everyone’s concern. A 9 percent increase in seat belt use in Texas would produce economic savings of $392 million.