MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle announces that the Melrose Police Department will participate in a Click it or Ticket campaign beginning next week in an effort to reduce motor vehicle deaths and injuries.

The initiative is organized through the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and will run from May 13 through June 2.

According to the state’s annual seat belt observation study, the seat belt use rate rose to 81.6 percent in Massachusetts last year, but it still lags well behind the national average of 89.7 percent.

Additionally, while an estimated 61 lives were saved in Massachusetts in 2017 by seat belts, 62 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in the same year were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We participate in this campaign every year to educate residents about the importance of wearing a seat belt whenever they’re in a motor vehicle,” Chief Lyle said. “Whether you’re the driver or passenger, protect yourself and loved ones by always wearing your seat belt.”

Massachusetts law requires all motor vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt. All children riding as a passenger in motor vehicles must be in a federally-approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. Children older than 8 years old or taller than 57 inches then must wear seat belts.

The Melrose Police Department is one of approximately 140 local departments, along with the Massachusetts State Police to participate in the high-visibility mobilization.

Anyone who has questions or concerns about the campaign, or who would like to schedule an appointment to have a child safety seat installed, should contact the Melrose Police Department at 781-665-1212.

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