On Monday, North Carolina launched its Memorial Day Click it or Ticket campaign, orchestrated by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, marking the program’s 20th anniversary. In 1993, North Carolina launched the Click it or Ticket safety initiative and it was the first of its kind. Now, nearly every State in the nation has implemented the initiative that has drastically increased seat belt use nationwide, and has grossly reduced traffic fatalities.
In recognition of the anniversary and launch of the Click it or Ticket campaign, under the direction of Chief Thedis L. Spencer, the Wadesboro Police Department conducted a nighttime seat belt enforcement safety initiative on Monday. Enforcement was focused on westbound U.S. 74 traffic in the Wade Mill area of Wadesboro. At the end of the two-hour operation, nearly 20 enforcement actions were taken on restraint violations, along with a DWI charge and a texting while driving enforcement action. Officer Joshua Leviner, with the department’s Highway Interdiction Team (HIT), stated that he was “shocked” by how many safety belt violations were observed during the operation. Patrol Lieutenant Steven Kelly headed up the operation.
On Tuesday, Officers Leviner, Gulledge and Smith, in recognition for the department’s continued efforts in enforcing and promoting traffic safety, attended an invitation-only luncheon in Raleigh hosted by Governor Pat McCrory and the GHSP. The luncheon was a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of Click it or Ticket. Following the luncheon, officers from Wadesboro got the opportunity to meet and speak with Governor McCrory, and also with North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs La Nica T. Allison. Deputy Secretary Allison oversees the GHSP.
“The Wadesboro Police Department has always been committed to ensuring the safe travel of all motorists on the streets and highways of our city, and we will continue to do so by remaining vigilant in our enforcement efforts,” Spencer said. “Under my direction, the officers of the Wadesboro Police Department will be strictly enforcing safety belt violations to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors. This is your warning; click it or ticket.”
The current cost of an adult safety belt violation is $161. The 2013 Memorial Day Click it or Ticket campaign will last until June 2.
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