Campaign puts emphasis on seatbelts Published May 20, 2011 By Wendy E. Medley 87th Air Base Wing Safety JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts save more than 13,000 lives nationwide every year. Seat-belt usage saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008. Law enforcement agencies will implement the "Click It or Ticket" campaign from May 23 to June 5. Law enforcement officials will publicize this campaign by advertising one of the greatest threats to us all: serious injury or death in traffic crashes. Some people are under the impression seatbelts are a hindrance, especially if it involves crashing into a water source. The likelihood of that happening is minimal compared to the possibility of being ejected headfirst out of the vehicle into an object at a high rate of speed. It's a simple fact seatbelts save lives. The wearing of seatbelts is mandatory for all military personnel, both on and off the installation, in accordance with the Traffic Safety Program, Air Force Instruction 91.207 and Department of Defense Instruction 6055.04. New Jersey law enforcement agencies are supporting this campaign by visiting schools, public speaking events, advertising and setting up seatbelt checkpoints. Citations will be issued to all violators. Keep in mind all occupants in the vehicle must be belted in at all times. Babies and children should be appropriately placed in child seats according to his or her age and weight. 3,354 vehicles were observed for seatbelt violations with 366 drivers (13 percent) and 161 passengers (7 percent) not wearing seatbelts in a 2010 survey conducted by the 87th Air Base Wing Safety Office staff. For further information on seatbelt safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov.