With an intended kick off of Friday, the Columbia Police Department’s efforts to join the statewide aggressive “Click It or Ticket” campaign may be delayed due to the extreme winter weather.
The Columbia Police Department released a news release announcing the campaign shortly after the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Troop F of Jefferson City issued a news release announcing their involvement with the campaign.
CPD hopes to use the campaign to encourage mobilization for more motorists to buckle up and save lives, according to the department’s news release.
If caught driving or riding in a vehicle without a fastened seatbelt, motorists will be ticketed and issued a fine.
The campaign is being reinforced statewide.
Although proven benefits of wearing a seatbelt exist, 70 percent of Missourians killed in 2012 motor vehicle crashes were not buckled. One in four Missouri motorists do not “click it”, according to the Columbia Police Department’s news release.
The campaign is a positive step forward in lowering the number of fatal car crashes involving an unfastened seatbelt.
The campaign may be delayed due to Thursday’s snowstorm.
CPD is trying to focus on ensuring city-wide safety from the dangerous weather and driving conditions.
“They’re a little busy today with the weather,” CPD spokeswoman Latisha Stroer said. “They’re still not sure if they’ll be able to start the campaign tomorrow.”
A winter storm warning was issued Thursday by the NOAA National Weather Service. Snow accumulations of 6 to 11 inches were expected, with heavy impacts on all types of travel, especially by motor vehicle.
On Thursday, Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency due to the mixture of snow, sleet and ice that bombarded Columbia. Nixon urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in a news release.
Although the start of the campaign is still not clear, buckling up is especially important in winter weather. Due to the increased danger, the “Click It or Ticket” campaign message of buckling up is especially important during hazardous driving conditions.
For further information on the campaign, visit the [Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety website](www.saveMOlives.com).