KPD conducts ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign

LIHU‘E – Kaua‘i police have been stepping up enforcement of seat-belt-wearing in recognition of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

Drivers and passengers are asked to continue to follow safety measures while on the road, including wearing seat belts and using child-passenger restraints.

The two-week campaign of increased enforcement began on Nov. 16, and continues to the end of the month. Violators could face fines of up to $112.

“This year, 50% of fatal crash victims on Kaua‘i were not wearing seat belts,” said Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd G. Raybuck.

”Studies show that unrestrained vehicle occupants are at risk of serious injury or death during a collision, even in slow-speed crashes,” he said. “Seat belts save lives.”

So far this year, KPD has issued a total of 324 violations for noncompliance of the use of seat belts and child restraints. The total number of violations in 2017 was 589 and, in 2019, the total was 417.

“While our community has remained vigilant about public-health-safety measures of late, we want to remind people to please remember to also take precautions while you’re on the road,” said Raybuck.

”Now that traffic is increasing due to more people heading to work, more keiki attending in-person classes and more visitors on the island, we need to be even more alert and take all of the necessary precautions while we’re in our vehicles. Wearing your seat belt is your best line of defense,” he said.