Don't like to wear seat belts? Get out your wallet if you're caught in Front Royal

Click It Or Ticket program starts May 24

Front Royal police will be on the lookout for motorists who aren't wearing seatbelts during their Click It Or Ticket mobilization May 24-June 6.

In a press release, Police Chief Richard H. Furr said the statewide campaign is aimed at increasing seat belt usage.

"Each year, hundreds of lives are lost due to not wearing seat belts. Last year, the department was awarded the Highest Seat Belt Usage award for achieving a 90 percent usage rate, which exceeded the state goal of 82 percent," Furr said. "We want to continue this effort to increase seat belt usage by educating the public on the importance of wearing seat belts. Our ultimate goal is to keep motorists safe, not only during the Memorial Day holiday, but throughout the year."

Read the rest of the release:

Front Royal traffic enforcement officer Donald Orye conducted a seat belt survey, which showed an 84% usage rate. "This rate is a decrease from survey's that I have conducted in previous months. Overall, I am pleased to see our rate higher than the state goal of 83%. This shows that we are heading in the right direction" says Officer Orye. "Unfortunately with the rate at 90% for 2009, we saw an increase in injuries for the year. Our accidents declined again for the fourth year in a row. The department reported 271 crashes which decreased from 368 the previous year" adds Orye. Officer Orye also adds that during this mobilization, motorists can expect to see extra officers on patrol and may encounter checkpoints at any given time. "We will have extra officers out conducting saturation patrols. Motorists must be alert for emergency vehicles that are stopped along the roadways."

Officer Orye is also coordinating the "Route 522 Blitz" again this year.

Agencies along Route 522 from Powhatan County to the West Virginia state line have pledged support during the day of enforcement which is scheduled on May 28th.

"During the blitz, motorists that travel Route 522 for any period will see an increased presence of law enforcement. They may also encounter checkpoints along the way as well" states Orye.

Some of the local agencies that have pledged to participate include Front Royal Police Department, Warren County Sheriff's Office, Winchester Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff's Office, Rappahannock County Sheriff's Office, Culpeper Police Department, and Virginia State Police.

For further information about Click It Or Ticket or any other traffic safety issues, visit www.smartsafeandsober.org