In 2009, Virginia had the highest recorded seat belt use rate in history at 82.27 percent. Even with that good news, 756 citizens lost their lives on Virginia roadways.

Of those, 333 individuals were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Of particular concern are the numbers of fatalities between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. During the 2009 year, 195 unbelted individuals died in crashes during those times, most of whom were young men.

That’s why the New Market Police Department, in partnership with agencies along routes 7 and 11 in Virginia, will come together Friday and beyond for the Click It or Ticket Blitz to enforce traffic laws in advance of the heavily traveled Memorial Day weekend.

The Route 7-11 Taskforce Click It or Ticket Blitz will focus particular attention on day and night time seat belt use.

New Market Police Department Sgt Chris Rinker says, “There are still far too many of our citizens being injured or killed because they are not buckled up.

“Consistent research has shown that fewer people are buckling up at night when the risk of being in a fatal crash is greatest. This is why we are joining our law enforcement partners for this Click It or Ticket Blitz, to make sure that everyone in every vehicle is buckled up and obeying all traffic laws.

“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Click It or Ticket is Law Enforcement’s way of telling you we care about you and want you to arrive at your destination safely.”

Virginia and the New Market Police Department participate in the National Click It or Ticket Mobilization each May. Click It or Ticket is focused on increasing seat belt and child safety seat use which in turn reduces motor vehicle related serious injuries and fatalities.

Click It or Ticket is one of several programs under the Smart, Safe and Sober Partnership, a statewide initiative dedicated to preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities on Virginia roadways. It is a joint partnership of New Market Police Department, DMV: The Virginia Highway Safety Office, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Association of Chief’s of Police, the Virginia Sheriff’s Association and Drive Smart Virginia.