FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Department to Participate in Click It or Ticket Seat Belt Safety Campaign

MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle announces that the Melrose Police Department will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign next week to promote seat belt use through increased traffic enforcement.

The initiative is organized through the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division and will run from May 8-29.

According to the state’s annual seat belt observation study, Massachusetts seat belt usage is significantly lower than the national average – 78 percent compared to 90 percent. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that out of the 172 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in the Commonwealth in 2015, 64 percent were not wearing seat belts.

“Data shows that wearing your seat belt increases your chances of survival if you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash,” Chief Lyle said. “Don’t become a statistic. Keep yourself and others safe by always fastening you seat belt.”

Melrose is one of approximately 200 local police departments in Massachusetts, along with the Massachusetts State Police, to participate in the high-visibility mobilization.

Anyone who has questions or concerns about the campaign should contact the Melrose Police Department at 781-665-1212.

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