'Click It' campaign begins

The summer travel season unofficially begins with the Memorial Day weekend. As families head to their travel destinations, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety and Police across the state are reminding drivers to “Click It, Don’t Risk It.”

Between May 21 and June 3, more than 50 law enforcement agencies across Idaho will take part in a mobilization aimed at seatbelt enforcement. This is part of a nationwide effort to encourage drivers to wear seatbelts during the busy summer months.

“Seatbelts are our first line of defense in a car crash, and buckling up is such an easy thing to do that can help you and your family survive a crash,” said John Tomlinson, manager for the Idaho Office of Highway Safety.

In 2016, an estimated 65 percent of people killed in crashes in Idaho were not restrained — 17 percent above the national average of 48 percent.

According to OHS data, 123 people who died in crashes in 2016 were not properly restrained, including three children under the age of seven.

“Those statistics represent 123 people who are dearly missed,” said Corporal Kyle Wills from the Boise Police Department.

“Buckling up just takes moment, but it can give you a lifetime.”

Wills will be among the thousands of police officers across the country taking part in the mobilization but says even with the extra patrols, they need the public’s help to reduce deadly crashes.

“If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up, or properly restrain their children when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits,” said Cpl. Wills. “Help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up — every trip, every time.”