News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext. 2229
DS2009-11
May 12, 2009

EMPHASIS: Troop D Officers To Participate In "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign


Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces that from May 18, 2009, through May 31, 2009, Troop D officers will be conducting a “Click It or Ticket” operation in Christian, Lawrence, Newton, Polk, and Webster counties. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is a national effort to increase seat belt use and awareness.

During this endeavor, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue its policy of zero tolerance regarding enforcement of occupant protection violations. From 2001 until 2008, the seat belt usage rate in Missouri climbed from 67.9 % to 75.8 %, with the use nationwide in 2008 at 83%.

"Special enforcement operations such as these are very important and effective,” states Captain Villanueva. “Part of the Patrol's mission is to reduce injuries and fatalities on our roadways. We know that many lives could be saved if more people took a few extra seconds to buckle their seat belt."

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