New York State’s annual statewide “Buckle Up New York, Click it or Ticket” education and enforcement campaign runs until Sunday June 4th.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Council has paired up with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain to promote seat belt safety. In 1984, New York was the first state to pass legislation requiring drivers and front seat passengers to use seat belts. In 2020, the Empire State further required back seat passengers to wear belts or be properly restrained in a child safety seat following the passage of additional legislation. Data compiled by the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research shows seat belt compliance is consistently at or above 90 percent in the state each year.
Officials say the most effective device to save lives and prevent injuries in a vehicle is the seat belt.
