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'Click it or Ticket' leads Into AMC Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Laura McAndrews
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  As the Air Force-wide "Critical Days of Summer" campaign is about to begin the country-wide "Click it or Ticket" campaign is already in swing.

Law enforcement authorities will be especially vigilant in identifying drivers not using seat belts through May 31.

"Our No. 1 contributor to Air Force fatalities is traffic accidents," said Mark Erpelding, Air Mobility Command Traffic Safety Program Manager. "The main three contributors to these accidents are alcohol, fatigue and speed."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the largest group of people who don't wear seat belts are males between the ages of 18 and 24. Also, those who drive pickup trucks are less likely to buckle up than drivers of other vehicles.

"Our main goal is education," said Mr. Erpelding. "According to NHTSA statistics, when lap and shoulder belts are worn properly, fatalities among front seat drivers and passengers are decreased by 45 percent."

And it's between Memorial Day and Labor Day that the Air Force experiences its largest numbers of mishaps and fatalities.

"The least expensive way to reduce fatalities it to get people to increase their seat belt usage," said Mr. Erpelding.

But be prepared to break open your piggy bank if caught cruising without buckling up. Tickets cost $55 and the driver can be fined for the front seat passenger not playing it safe, too.

The NHTSA "Click it or Ticket" campaign aims not only to save lives, but eventually to make the requirement to wear a seat belt a primary law in every state. This would mean law enforcement officers would be able to pull people over after observing driver or front seat passenger not wearing a seat belt.

"The bottom line is wearing seat belts saves lives," said Senior Master Sgt. Colleen Ingram, AMC Security Forces, Superintendent of Training and Exercises. "Even if we only save one life through 'Click it or Ticket,' then it was well worth the effort."

Though AMC reached its goal of zero fatalities last summer, AMC ground safety officials warn Airmen not to get too complacent. Of the 16 Air Force fatalities last year, 50 percent were caused by motor vehicle accidents.

"So please," Mr. Erpelding asks, "especially during the summer months of increased holiday traffic, buckle up for safety."